SunExpress Suspends Multiple UK Routes Amid Rising Operating Costs

SunExpress has suspended several UK routes and reduced frequencies on others for Summer 2026, citing rising operational costs and ongoing geopolitical developments.

The Turkish leisure carrier has confirmed that services from Glasgow and Leeds Bradford have been temporarily suspended, while its Manchester to Bodrum route has also been withdrawn.

According to a statement provided to Travel Gossip, the airline said the aviation industry is currently operating in a “highly volatile environment” with significant cost increases, particularly surrounding jet fuel prices.

UK Routes Affected

The latest changes include:

Antalya – Glasgow

Antalya – Leeds Bradford

Bodrum – Manchester

Dalaman – Glasgow

The airline has also implemented frequency reductions across several additional services.

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Airline Statement

A SunExpress spokesperson stated that the carrier is taking steps to improve fuel efficiency and optimise flight operations amid continued market pressures.

The airline added that it is not currently able to confirm when suspended routes may return, though further updates are expected in the future.

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UK Operations Continue

Despite the latest cuts, SunExpress continues to operate flights between the UK and several Turkish destinations, including Antalya and Dalaman.

Current UK departure airports still served by the airline include:

Birmingham

Bristol

Edinburgh

Gatwick

Heathrow

Stansted

Luton

Manchester

Newcastle

The withdrawal of Manchester – Bodrum also means SunExpress no longer operates any direct UK services to Bodrum.

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Wider Industry Pressures

The changes come as airlines across Europe continue to face increasing operational and fuel-related costs, alongside airspace disruption and geopolitical uncertainty impacting flight operations.

Several carriers have adjusted schedules or reduced capacity in recent months as operators attempt to balance demand with rising operating expenses.

Further schedule adjustments across the European leisure market remain possible heading deeper into the Summer 2026 season.