SunExpress

Q: What are SunExpress' airline codes?

SunExpress' IATA code is XQ , its ICAO code is SXS , and its callsign is SUNEXPRESS .

XQ SXS

SunExpress is a Turkish leisure airline based in Antalya and owned jointly by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. This guide covers its bases, network, fleet, fares, baggage, check-in, loyalty program and airport transportation.

86
Aircraft: 92
Destinations: AYT, ADB
Hubs

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The airline

About SunExpress

Schedules, aircraft assignments, terminals and fare rules can change. Confirm operational details directly with SunExpress before travel.

Official name: Güneş Ekspres Havacılık A.Ş.
Callsign: SUNEXPRESS
Country: Turkey
Founded: 1989 (first flights in 1990)
Parent company: Joint venture of Turkish Airlines and the Lufthansa Group (50% each)
Head office: Antalya, Turkey
Alliance: None
Frequent-flyer program: SunExpress your benefits
Official website: sunexpress.com

SunExpress is a Turkish leisure airline headquartered in Antalya. It was founded in October 1989 and started flying in 1990. It is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and the Lufthansa Group, which each hold 50%, and it is not a member of an airline alliance.

Its main bases are Antalya Airport (AYT) and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), with further bases in Ankara, Dalaman and Frankfurt. SunExpress serves about 92 destinations, linking Turkey's holiday coast and Anatolian cities with Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Austria and other European countries, and with destinations beyond Europe such as Dubai. Many of its flights are sold through tour operators as part of package holidays.

The SunExpress fleet of about 86 aircraft is made up entirely of Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-8 jets, with more 737-8 and 737-10 aircraft on order.

Network

Where SunExpress flies

Routes and frequencies change with the season, and the network is much larger in summer than in winter. Check the schedule for your travel dates when you book.

Turkey

Domestic flights linking Antalya and Izmir with cities across Anatolia and eastern Turkey, and flights from Izmir to Ercan in Northern Cyprus.

Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Flights from many German airports, including Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Munich, as well as Zurich, to Antalya, Izmir, Dalaman, Bodrum and other Turkish cities.

United Kingdom

Flights from airports such as London Stansted, London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham to Antalya and Dalaman.

Rest of Europe and the Middle East

Flights to the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic and the Balkans, including Amsterdam, Brussels, Barcelona, Madrid, Stockholm, Prague and Tirana, and flights between Izmir and Dubai.

Aircraft

SunExpress fleet

The figure of about 86 aircraft was reported in October 2026. The aircraft shown at booking is not guaranteed until departure.

Boeing 737-800

The larger part of the current fleet, used on routes between Turkey and Europe and on domestic flights.

Boeing 737-8

The newer part of the fleet, with further deliveries planned under SunExpress' Boeing order.

Boeing 737-10

On order, for future service on SunExpress' network.

On board

SunExpress cabin classes

SunExpress flies a single economy cabin. What is included in your ticket depends on the fare you choose. Check the fare conditions before you buy.

SunLight

The basic fare, with one small under-seat bag. Checked baggage and seat selection are not included and can be added.

SunValue

Adds a larger cabin bag and checked baggage.

SunEco+

Adds a larger cabin bag, a higher checked baggage allowance on many routes, seats in selected areas of the aircraft and more flexibility for changes.

SunComfort

The most flexible fare, with the highest checked baggage allowance, a standard seat and free changes up to a few days before departure.

Seat selection

On fares without an included seat, seats can be reserved as an extra; otherwise a seat is assigned at check-in.

Before you fly

Practical information

Baggage Cabin bags, checked bags, missing luggage

SunExpress baggage allowances depend on the fare and route. Domestic flights within Turkey follow separate rules from international flights.

Carry-on

SunLight includes one small under-seat bag up to 4 kg. SunValue, SunEco+ and SunComfort include one cabin bag up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 8 kg.

Checked baggage

SunLight includes no checked bag, which can be added. On international flights, SunValue includes 20 kg; SunEco+ includes 20 to 30 kg and SunComfort 25 to 35 kg, depending on the route. Each bag can weigh up to 32 kg.

Special items

Sports equipment, pets, oversized items and medical equipment follow separate rules. Strollers and child car seats are carried free. Check the official SunExpress baggage page before you fly.

Check-in and boarding Steps before departure

SunExpress online check-in on sunexpress.com or the SunExpress app opens 72 hours before departure at most airports and usually closes 1 hour before the flight. Airport counters close 60 minutes before international flights and 45 minutes before domestic flights.

1 Confirm
Confirm the airport and terminal, especially in Antalya, which has separate international and domestic terminals.
2 Documents
Review passport, visa and entry requirements for your destination.
3 Check in
Check in online or in the app as soon as it opens. If you booked through a tour operator, choose the tour operator option on the check-in page.
4 Boarding pass
Download the mobile boarding pass or print it.
5 Arrive early
Allow time for bag drop, security and, on international flights, passport control.

Lounges

As a leisure airline, SunExpress does not include lounge access in its fares. Some airports offer lounges that travelers can use under their own conditions; check the airport's information before you travel.

Loyalty program

SunExpress your benefits is SunExpress' loyalty program. Members earn points on SunExpress flights and extras, such as seats and baggage, and spend them on flights and extras on the SunExpress website. Members move between the Welcome, Silver and Gold tiers based on the number of flights taken. Program rules change, so check your account for the conditions that apply to your trip.

Flight status and customer service Official sources

For current operational information, use SunExpress' official services:

SunExpress website

sunexpress.com for booking, check-in, trip management and flight status

SunExpress app

Available for iOS and Android, with mobile boarding passes and flight notifications

Where you land

SunExpress airports

SunExpress is built around Turkey's leisure airports rather than Istanbul. Most of its flights start or end in Antalya or Izmir, so check the airport on your ticket before you book a transfer.

Antalya Airport Hub

AYT · Antalya

SunExpress' home base and head office location, with most of its flights. Antalya connects the Turkish Riviera with many airports in Germany, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe.