Published on
September 21, 2025
Starting on September 20th and continuing on 21st, 2025, Pegasus Airlines experienced disruptions in its flight operations, causing travel interruptions between Türkiye and Kuwait. The airline grounded dual flights, including its routes between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Kuwait International Airport. According to FlightAware a total of 166 delays and 2 cancellations are reported, affecting many passengers who were scheduled to travel on these routes. These interruptions have left travelers stranded and forced to navigate through altered schedules. The immediate consequences of these cancellations are being felt in both Türkiye and Kuwait, where travel connections are crucial for both tourism and business activities.
Pegasus Airlines, which has been a key player in low-cost aviation between Türkiye and the Middle East, has had to cancel 2 flights. These cancellations involve flights PGT858 and PGT859, which are part of the “Sunturk” flight series. Here are the details of the cancelled flights:
- PGT858: A321, departing from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW / LTFJ) at 10:35 PM +03, bound for Kuwait International Airport (KWI / OKKK).
- PGT859: A321, departing from Kuwait International Airport (KWI / OKKK) at 03:15 AM +03, heading back to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW / LTFJ).
The routes that have been impacted are some of the most vital links between Türkiye and Kuwait. These two airports—Sabiha Gokcen International and Kuwait International—serve as major gateways for business and leisure travel, not only for Turkish and Kuwaiti nationals but also for travelers connecting to and from various global destinations.
The route between Istanbul and Kuwait is one of the most frequented, facilitating both business and tourism exchanges between the two nations. Given the disruption to these services, passengers who were relying on this corridor for time-sensitive travel are likely to experience significant delays and inconveniences.
Delays
According to FlightAware, Pegasus Airlines has also reported 166 delays, making up a significant proportion of their flights in operation. These delays have affected air travel within their network, with a 23% delay rate reported across flights. This delay rate could further exacerbate the travel experience for many passengers, compounding the frustration felt by those whose flights were cancelled.
Affected Airports
The two key airports affected by these cancellations and delays are:
- Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW / LTFJ), which serves as one of Istanbul’s major international hubs. It is an important airport for both domestic and international travel, particularly for low-cost carriers such as Pegasus Airlines. The airport’s operations have been disrupted due to the grounding of the mentioned flights, potentially leading to crowding, delayed baggage handling and overburdened resources.
- Kuwait International Airport (KWI / OKKK), which serves as Kuwait’s primary international airport. This airport is critical for both regional and international connectivity and the suspension of services between Kuwait and Istanbul could affect the flow of both Kuwaiti nationals and international travelers.
The travel interruptions between Istanbul and Kuwait City could have a impact on tourism in both countries. Türkiye has increasingly become a popular tourist destination, particularly for travelers from the Middle East. Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, draws millions of visitors each year. Kuwait is also a growing hub for business and leisure tourism, with many international events hosted in the country.
The grounding of flights on this route might discourage potential tourists from visiting these destinations, especially in the short term. Tourists who were planning to visit either Istanbul or Kuwait City may choose to reschedule their trips or opt for alternative destinations due to the uncertainty created by these disruptions. This could lead to a temporary dip in visitor numbers, affecting local businesses, hospitality and tourism sectors reliant on international arrivals.
Additionally, frequent travelers who rely on these routes for business purposes might be more reluctant to travel due to the increased uncertainty surrounding Pegasus Airlines’ flight schedules. This could also have a knock-on effect on the broader Turkish and Kuwaiti tourism industries, which are still recovering from the aftermath of the global pandemic.
For passengers affected by these flight cancellations and delays, there are several steps they can take to manage the situation:
- Contact Pegasus Airlines: It is crucial for passengers to get in touch with the airline to understand the full extent of the disruption. The airline may offer rebooking options on the next available flights, as well as compensation for meals or accommodation in case of extended delays.
- Explore Alternative Routes: For passengers whose flights were cancelled, considering alternative routes or carriers may be necessary. There might be other airlines operating between Istanbul and Kuwait, or indirect routes that can be explored.
- Monitor Flight Status: Given the high volume of delays and cancellations, passengers should keep an eye on their flight statuses. Airlines often update flight details in real-time, allowing passengers to adjust their plans accordingly.
- Seek Compensation: Pegasus Airlines is obligated to provide compensation to affected passengers based on the regulations that govern airline operations. Passengers should be aware of their rights and reach out to the airline for any entitled reimbursement.
In conclusion, the recent disruptions to Pegasus Airlines‘ flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International and Kuwait International have created travel challenges for passengers. With 166 delays and 2 cancellations, this situation underscores the impact on travel schedules, as reported by FlightAware data. Passengers are advised to stay informed.
Image Credit- Pegasus Airlines
