SunExpress is strengthening travel connections between Turkey and the Netherlands with a new weekly nonstop service linking Ankara Esenboğa Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
The Ankara–Rotterdam route expands direct European access from the Turkish capital while creating new opportunities for summer holidays, business trips, city breaks and visits to friends and relatives. Rotterdam also provides passengers with convenient onward access to other destinations in the Netherlands and neighbouring European markets.
The service was originally scheduled to begin on July 8, 2026. However, the first Ankara departure was cancelled after commercial flights at Ankara Esenboğa Airport were restricted during the NATO summit. Operations are therefore continuing from July 15, with flights scheduled once each week during the summer season.
The new connection increases the number of direct international destinations served by SunExpress from Ankara and reinforces the capital’s role within the airline’s wider Turkey–Europe network.
Weekly Service Supports Summer Travel Demand
SunExpress operates the Ankara–Rotterdam route on Wednesdays, providing passengers with a predictable weekly schedule for planning leisure and business journeys.
The direct flight eliminates the need to connect through another Turkish or European airport, reducing journey complexity for passengers travelling between central Turkey and the Netherlands.
This convenience is particularly important during the peak summer period, when demand rises among tourists, families, expatriate communities and travellers visiting relatives across Europe.
The route also supports passengers seeking shorter city breaks. Rotterdam’s combination of architecture, waterfront attractions, cultural venues and commercial activity makes it suitable for both weekend visits and longer holidays.
Meanwhile, travellers departing from the Netherlands gain direct access to Ankara, a destination known for its museums, historic districts, government institutions and role as Turkey’s political and administrative capital.
Rotterdam Strengthens Its European Gateway Role
Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and one of Europe’s most important centres for shipping, logistics and international trade.
The city is widely recognised for its modern skyline, innovative urban design and extensive port. Its visitor attractions include contemporary architecture, museums, food markets, waterfront neighbourhoods and cultural festivals.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport is located close to the city centre, allowing arriving passengers to reach central Rotterdam through local public transport or road services.
Its geographical position also gives travellers access to a wider regional transport network. Rail and road connections make it possible to combine Rotterdam with Amsterdam, The Hague and other Dutch destinations.
Visitors can also continue towards Belgium and Germany, supporting multi-country European itineraries. However, passengers travelling to Switzerland or Sweden would generally require additional rail or air connections rather than treating Rotterdam as a direct overland gateway.
Ankara Gains Broader Direct European Connectivity
The Rotterdam service joins an established network of SunExpress flights from Ankara to European cities.
The airline’s Ankara schedule includes connections with destinations such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Munich, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Vienna and Zurich.
Adding Rotterdam gives passengers another direct option in the Netherlands while complementing the airline’s existing Amsterdam service.
The broader network connects Ankara with major markets across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands. These routes support several passenger segments, including tourists, business travellers, students and people visiting friends and family.
Direct services can also stimulate inbound tourism by making Ankara easier to reach from European cities without transfers. Visitors arriving in the Turkish capital can explore its cultural attractions or continue towards destinations across central Anatolia.
Tourism and Trade Benefit From New Connection
The new route is expected to support both tourism and commercial travel between Turkey and the Netherlands.
For business passengers, Rotterdam offers access to one of Europe’s leading logistics and maritime economies. The direct flight may assist travellers attending meetings, trade events and corporate engagements linked to transport, industry and international commerce.
Leisure travellers can use the service to explore Rotterdam’s urban attractions before extending their journey across the Netherlands.
At the same time, Dutch residents and Turkey’s overseas communities gain another convenient connection for holidays and family visits. This visiting-friends-and-relatives market is an important part of SunExpress’s European operations, particularly during school holidays and other peak travel periods.
Additional passenger flows can generate demand for hotels, restaurants, attractions, airport services and local transportation in both destinations.
SunExpress Builds Turkey–Europe Network
SunExpress was established as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa and has developed a substantial network connecting Turkish destinations with cities across Europe.
The airline serves holidaymakers, business passengers and Turkish communities living abroad, with a particular focus on direct services that avoid major connecting hubs.
The Ankara–Rotterdam route reflects this strategy by connecting two important economic and cultural centres through a straightforward weekly operation.
As passenger demand develops, the service could create opportunities for future capacity growth or longer seasonal operations. Its initial launch already provides Ankara travellers with greater choice and strengthens Rotterdam’s links with the Turkish market.
By adding Rotterdam to its Ankara network, SunExpress is supporting tourism, trade and cross-border mobility while reinforcing direct aviation connections between Turkey, the Netherlands and the wider European region.
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