The three Turkish holiday destinations getting new UK flights with budget airline

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

Plus, the lesser-known spots in Turkey you should visit according to a Turkish flight attendant
SUN IT UP The three Turkish holiday destinations getting new UK flights with budget airline
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NEW flights are about to make it easier to get to three popular Turkish holiday hotspots.
Budget airline SunExpress is introducing new routes in 2026 making it easier to enjoy a sunny break on the Turquoise Coast.
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Sun Express is launching new routes from the UK to Turkey
Credit: Alamy
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Brits will be able to fly from the East Midlands to Antalya next year
Credit: Alamy
Next year, passengers will be able to fly directly from East Midlands to Antalya with SunExpress.
The flights will take off three times a week in 2026.
Currently the only other airline offering direct flights between the two destinations is Jet2.
Antalya welcomes more than one million Brits annually, making it the country's top holiday destination.
The resort city and ancient port offers culture, history, food and endless opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
There's lots to do from venturing to The Land of Legends Theme Park, sunbathing on the beach, to exploring the blue waters on the famous Turquoise Coast.
The airline is also launching two weekly flights from Cork to Antalya next year.
Other routes with SunExpress are from London Gatwick and Manchester airports to Bodrum which will operate twice a week.
When one Sun Writer ventured to Bodrum and after spending time in the Turkish town, she dubbed it the "St Tropez of Turkey".
She noted that it was much more affordable than other spots in the Mediterranean like Ibiza, Mykonos and Marbella - Bodrum had a similar feel, all the while being much more affordable.
The sunshine resort just four hours from the UK that's perfect for families, with free child prices throughout the summer holidays
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Bodrum is on the Turquoise Coast is perfect for swimming and sunbathing
Credit: Alamy
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New routes to Bodrum will operate from Manchester and London Gatwick
Credit: Alamy
The airline is adding two flights a week from and Dublin to Dalaman too.
Dalaman is on the west coast of Turkey and has plenty of golden beaches and hot summer weather.
There's lots of Efes lager, which another Sun Writer found on draught in local bars.
There are lots of popular beaches like Iztuzu where you can enjoy mud baths and explore the hot springs.
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Dalaman has a sprawling coastline with mud baths and blue seas
Credit: Alamy
Others have blue lagoons, water sports and of course all are great spots for swimming.
Boat trips are the perfect way to discover hidden coves, and jeep safaris are the best way to explore the landscape.
One writer who headed to the Dalaman coast with her family even saw turtles, braved some banana boats and of course, tried out the mud baths.
Tobias Bracht, Head of Sales for SunExpress, said: 'We are delighted to be expanding our UK and Ireland network with the launching of services from East Midlands Airport.
"With direct flights to Türkiye from 14 airports next summer, we will be offering more choice, convenience and value than ever before, reinforcing our commitment to being the leading leisure carrier from the UK and Ireland to Türkiye.'
Last year, SunExpress announced a new route between Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Antalya.
Plus, the lesser-known spots in Turkey you should visit according to a Turkish flight attendant.