SunExpress Route Map 2026
The leading charter and leisure carrier linking Turkish sun destinations to Germany and Europe. Explore 100+ destinations across 25+ countries — filter by hub and click any destination to compare fares.
Click a hub or hub button to filter routes. Search destinations above. Click any dot to compare fares.
SunExpress — Network & Service Overview
SunExpress is a Turkish low-cost airline founded in 1989 as a 50-50 joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. It operates as a short-haul leisure carrier, primarily linking Germany and Turkey while also serving seasonal holiday destinations across Europe and the Middle East. The airline’s business model focuses on affordable fares with optional paid services, positioning it between traditional full-service carriers and budget airlines. SunExpress does not belong to any global alliance but maintains codeshare agreements with its parent companies, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, facilitating smoother connections for passengers.
The airline’s network centres on three hubs in Turkey: Antalya (AYT), Istanbul (IST), and Ankara (ESB). From these bases, SunExpress serves over 90 destinations, with strong seasonal emphasis on routes between Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf) and Turkey, particularly leisure-focused cities like Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir. It also operates year-round services to key European holiday markets, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal, along with limited destinations in the Middle East. The airline’s route strategy prioritises tourist-heavy corridors, often adjusting capacity based on seasonal demand.
SunExpress operates a single-class cabin with no frills, offering standard low-cost fare structures. Passengers can purchase seat selection, meals, and extra baggage as add-ons. The airline enforces strict carry-on limits—one small personal item (40 x 30 x 20 cm) and one cabin bag (55 x 40 x 20 cm, maximum 10 kg)—with checked baggage incurring fees. Unlike some budget carriers, SunExpress does not operate long-haul flights or wide-body aircraft, and its fleet consists exclusively of narrow-body planes. Its online booking system and mobile app are optimised for leisure travellers, with minimal complexity in fare structures.
About SunExpress
SunExpress (XQ) is an independent carrier founded in 1990. The airline operates a fleet of 75+ aircraft serving approximately 10M+ passengers annually across 100+ destinations in 25+ countries. Its main hubs are Antalya Airport (AYT) in Antalya, Turkey and Istanbul Airport (IST) in Istanbul, Turkey.
The leading charter and leisure carrier linking Turkish sun destinations to Germany and Europe.
SunExpress Hub Airports
Antalya Airport (AYT) — Antalya, Turkey
SunExpress operates from Antalya Airport as one of its primary base airports, connecting passengers to destinations across 25+ countries. View airport guides.
Istanbul Airport (IST) — Istanbul, Turkey
SunExpress operates from Istanbul Airport as one of its primary base airports, connecting passengers to destinations across 25+ countries. View airport guides.
SunExpress Top Routes
Some of SunExpress's most-flown routes connecting major hubs and popular destinations:
| From | To | Route | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antalya | Frankfurt | AYT–FRA | 2× daily |
| Antalya | Munich | AYT–MUC | 2× daily |
| Antalya | Dusseldorf | AYT–DUS | Daily |
| Istanbul | Frankfurt | IST–FRA | 4× weekly |
25+
Countries
100+
Destinations
75+
Fleet Size
10M+
Annual Passengers
Founded
1990
IATA Code
XQ
Alliance
None
Hubs
AYT, IST
Hub Airports
SunExpress airline intelligence
Network strategy, booking tips, alliance benefits and operating profile — updated for 2026.
Carrier profile
SunExpress is a full-service carrier — fares typically include checked baggage, complimentary meals, and seat selection. Multiple cabin classes (economy, premium economy, business, sometimes first) give upgrade paths via cash or miles. Based in Turkey, and has been operating since 1990.
Network strategy
SunExpress operates a multi-hub network across Antalya (AYT), Istanbul (IST). When booking, compare connections via each hub — sometimes a less-obvious hub is faster, cheaper, or has a better lounge for your status tier.
SunExpress currently flies to 100+ destinations across 25+ countries. Use the interactive map above to filter by hub and find the most relevant routes for your origin city.
Loyalty program
SunExpress is not part of a global alliance, so miles earned here usually stay within their own program. Check their direct frequent-flyer scheme for redemption sweet spots — un-allied carriers often offer steeper-discount award flights on their own metal.
Booking tips
For SunExpress fares, book 6-10 weeks out for short-haul Asian routes, 8-14 weeks out for long-haul. Premium-economy is often cheapest exactly at the 10-week mark. Award availability opens 330+ days in advance — set alerts and book early for peak-season redemptions.
Had a delayed or cancelled flight?
You could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU/UK law. Check if your SunExpress flight qualifies in just 2 minutes. No win, no fee.
Plan the Trip Beyond the Route Map
Use these planning hubs to turn route discovery into a booked trip, smoother airport transfer, or better stopover.
Flight Search
Compare routes and fares across the network.
Price Alerts
Track deals on popular airline routes.
Airport Guides
Find transport, terminal and city-transfer help.
Layover Guides
Plan stopovers and short transits more confidently.
Visa Guides
Check entry rules before you book multi-country trips.
Visa Checker
Quick passport-to-destination visa lookup.
Destination Guides
Move from route discovery into trip planning.
SunExpress Route Map — FAQs
What are SunExpress's main hub airports?+
SunExpress's main hubs are Antalya Airport (AYT) in Antalya and Istanbul Airport (IST) in Istanbul.
How many destinations does SunExpress fly to?+
SunExpress flies to 100+ destinations across 25+ countries. The network spans domestic, regional, and international markets across the airline's core operating regions.
What is SunExpress's busiest route?+
One of SunExpress's busiest routes is Antalya to Frankfurt (AYT–FRA), operated 2× daily.
Is SunExpress part of an airline alliance?+
SunExpress is not a member of any major airline alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld). It operates as an independent carrier.