Pegasus Airlines, the Istanbul-based low-cost carrier, has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and the Smartwings Group after receiving all required regulatory approvals, Hürriyet Daily News reported on Oct. 2.
The deal brings together the Turkish budget airline with a leisure-focused operator that is among the established carriers of Central and Eastern Europe. Following the takeover, the combined fleet of the two companies exceeds 175 aircraft, and together they have 140 aircraft on order.
Pegasus has operated a low-cost model since 2005 and flies to 161 destinations in 57 countries, with what it describes as one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the world. Its main base is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side of the city.
Smartwings, which also operates under the historic CSA Czech Airlines brand, serves 80 destinations in 20 countries and works closely with major tour operators, carrying large numbers of holidaymakers from Central Europe to sun destinations.
Brand and operations stay in place
According to the announcement, Smartwings will keep its own brand, day-to-day operations, customer relationships and service delivery. The companies said the combination would open new opportunities in innovation, development and talent. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the report.
What it means for travellers
For now, passengers booked with Smartwings or Czech Airlines should see no immediate change, since the brands continue to operate separately. Over time, the tie-up gives Pegasus a foothold in Prague and the wider Central European market, which is already a significant source of visitors to Turkish resorts such as Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman.
The acquisition is the latest step in the international expansion of Turkish carriers. Earlier in 2026 Pegasus also added new European routes, including a daily service between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and London Gatwick that started on June 15. Travellers comparing fares to Türkiye from Central Europe may increasingly find the two groups' networks complementing each other, though no joint schedule or codeshare details have yet been announced.
Sources
- Turkish carrier Pegasus acquires Czech Airlines, Smartwings Group – Hürriyet Daily News
- Pegasus Adds Istanbul – London Gatwick From June 2026 – AeroRoutes
Photo: MarcelX42 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
