Turkish budget airline Pegasus has struck a deal to buy Czech Airlines and its offshoot Smartwings for €154 million allowing it to boost its reach across Europe. The move, revealed on December 8th, 2025, aims to see growth in holiday travel and local flights, once achieving government clearance.
Details of the Acquisition
The deal sees Pegasus buying Smartwings Group for about €154 million. Instead of direct ownership, they are using a setup based in Amsterdam to get around EU rules that cap foreign control at 49%. The Dutch entity started with just €1 in capital but gives them operational power without breaking laws.
Smartwings, the biggest airline in Czechia, mostly operating Boeing 737s, hitting spots around Europe, the Middle East, or even North America.
Implications for European Aviation
The move shows Pegasus aiming wider than Turkey, maybe improving links for vacation flyers across central Europe. Combining airlines might bring more budget flights out of Prague, shaking up air travel there as things bounce back after the pandemic.
The agreement fits into bigger moves across airlines joining forces, as companies aim for growth to handle higher fuel prices or environmental issues. While running more than 100 planes now, Pegasus might use Smartwings’ airport spots to launch fresh routes, giving travellers better options in areas with few flights.
Pegasus’ Responses and Future Plans
Pegasus boss Mehmet Nane said buying the airline means flying out of more nations while adding fresh routes, which boosts its presence across Europe. Meanwhile, Smartwings – struggling with money issues is seeing this tie-up as a way forward, aiming to grow steadily using Pegasus’ budget-friendly approach.
Travellers will not be seeing big changes right away, since the main focus will be syncing up plane fleets while adjusting flight paths. Experts watching the sector think green lights should come around mid-2026, allowing merged services to save costs through joint upkeep and bulk buying. Pegasus buying Smartwings shakes up Europe’s flight scene, opening more options for vacation flyers.
To keep up with shifting airlines and new routes, follow along at Travel Radar.
