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Oct 01, 2026
Pegasus Airlines Completes Acquisition of Czech Airlines and Smartwings
Prague Morning
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Pegasus Airlines has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and the Smartwings Group, marking a major change in the ownership of one of the Czech Republic’s most established aviation businesses.
The Turkish low-cost carrier announced the completion of the transaction on Thursday, October 1, following the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities and the fulfilment of the required closing conditions.
The deal brings together Pegasus Airlines and the Czech-based Smartwings Group, creating an aviation group with a combined fleet of more than 175 aircraft.
The two airlines also have firm orders for a further 140 aircraft.
For passengers in Prague and across the Czech Republic, Smartwings will continue to operate under its existing brand. Its day-to-day operations, customer relationships and service are expected to remain in place, while the company will gain access to new opportunities for expansion and development through its new ownership.
Pegasus expands further into Central Europe
Founded in 1990, Pegasus Airlines has operated as a low-cost carrier since 2005. The airline currently serves 161 destinations in 57 countries from its main hub at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and other bases in Türkiye.
Its network covers Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, making the acquisition an opportunity to strengthen Pegasus’ presence in Central and Eastern Europe.
Smartwings, meanwhile, operates a network of around 80 destinations across 20 countries. The group has a particularly strong position in the Czech leisure travel market, with scheduled and charter services as well as private flights and special flights for international companies and organisations.
The Czech airline has been operating under the Smartwings name since 1998, while the Czech Airlines (ČSA) brand is one of the oldest names in European aviation.
The combined business is expected to benefit from the complementary networks of the two airlines. Pegasus brings a large international network and experience with the low-cost model, while Smartwings has an established customer base and strong relationships with tour operators in the Czech Republic and wider Central European market.
Pegasus said that Smartwings will continue operating under its established brand following the completion of the acquisition.
Pegasus carried a record 43.3 million passengers in 2025 and operates one of Europe’s younger aircraft fleets.
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