• Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines to commence operation from 28 October 2019
• New direct flight operation to help serve increasing visitor arrivals in Ras Al Khaimah from Europe and Russia via Istanbul

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced the launch of a new direct flight operation by Pegasus Airlines between Istanbul and Ras Al Khaimah to further expand the Emirate’s reach within major source markets in Europe and Russia. The announcement was made in the presence of Haitham Mattar, the Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Burcu Alin Ardali, Sales Manager for Pegasus Airlines and Çağrı Ulutürk, Sales Leader of Pegasus Airlines during an official ceremony at Arabian Travel Market today.

Commencing from 28 October 2019, Pegasus Airlines will operate scheduled flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. A leading low-cost carrier in Turkey, Pegasus Airlines will operate the direct route twice a week every Saturday and Wednesday.

The new flight operation will provide outbound and transit travelers from Istanbul a smoother and seamless access to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Middle East. The carrier’s new route will further connect Ras Al Khaimah with 26 European destinations including the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, the Nordics and Russia via Istanbul.

H.E. Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation Ras Al Khaimah commented: “We are delighted to welcome Pegasus Airlines to our expanding network of international carriers at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as part of our ongoing commitment to offering new routes to travelers. As an airport that promises innovative facilities, world-class service and smooth passenger experience, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is fast emerging as an airport of choice for many airline partners. We look forward to welcoming and ensuring Pegasus’ guests enjoy a relaxing and efficient experience throughout our airport.”

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “We are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with Pegasus Airlines that will help us introduce Ras Al Khaimah to the Turkish market and most importantly allow us to leverage Istanbul’s proximity and hub connectivity with our key feeder markets within Europe and Russia. This new addition is an important step in our continuous drive to increase accessibility and visibility, attract more high yield visitors, and ultimately boost both first-time and repeat visitation from our source markets.”

Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said: “We are proud to have onboard with us Pegasus Airlines and are constantly ensuring we add comprehensive flight networks and new destinations for our passengers. Adding Pegasus Airlines to our increasing connections further solidifies our position as the airport of choice. This new partnership ensures reliable smooth and cost-effective services for our passengers. We would like to thank the authorities and our partners for their support in making this possible.”

Çağrı Ulutürk, Sales Leader of Pegasus Airlines said: “This is a historic moment for Pegasus Airlines to add a new destination to its route map. Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism boom and Istanbul’s growing reputation as an aviation hub are major factors in our decision to expand our network in the Middle East even further. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Civil Aviation Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority for establishing this remarkable partnership with us.”

Ras Al Khaimah’s attractiveness amongst international tourists continues to be strong – accounting for 62% of overall visitors in 2018 – attributable to its 7,000 years of fascinating history, authentic Arabian culture and heritage, high-profile adventure attractions, magnificent natural landscapes, and exclusive luxury and wellness experiences. As per figures last year, Germany, Russia and the UK continue to be the leading international source markets for Ras Al Khaimah, driven by a strong appetite for the destination’s year-round offering.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport now welcomes direct connectivity from various global destinations including Cairo, Islamabad, Jeddah, Lahore, Peshawar, Calicut, Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw, Luxembourg, Prague, Moscow and Wroclaw.