Turkish low-cost giant Pegasus Airlines announced on 8 December that it has signed a binding agreement to acquire Prague-based Smartwings Group—including the flag carrier Czech Airlines (ČSA)—for an estimated €154 million. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, would give Pegasus control over a fleet of 45 Boeing 737s and ČSA’s prized landing slots at Václav Havel Airport.
For corporate travel programmes the takeover could reshape Central-European flight networks. Pegasus plans to integrate Smartwings’ short-haul schedule with its Istanbul hub, adding same-day connections to the Gulf and South-East Asia that currently require overnight layovers. Conversely, some low-yield seasonal routes popular with Czech holidaymakers may be cut.
For travellers mapping out these new itineraries, visa requirements can quickly become a moving target. VisaHQ’s platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) offers real-time guidance and application assistance for trips starting in, ending in, or transiting through the Czech Republic and Turkey—helping corporate travel managers secure the correct documents as routes and stopovers shift.
![Pegasus Airlines Agrees to Buy Czech Carrier Smartwings for €154 Million]()
Analysts say the deal reflects post-pandemic consolidation pressures: Smartwings has struggled with high fuel costs and MAX grounding compensation delays, while Pegasus seeks EU-based Air Operator’s Certificates to sidestep bilateral constraints. The Czech Civil Aviation Authority must still examine ownership-and-control criteria and competition impacts at Prague and Brno airports.
Employee unions have demanded assurances that the carrier’s 2,500 Czech-based staff will retain local contracts. Pegasus CEO Güliz Öztürk signalled that maintenance and training centres would stay in the country, but did not rule out a review of crew bases.
If approvals proceed smoothly, closing is expected within 12 months. Travel managers should monitor fare-class mapping and alliance participation—Smartwings currently interlines with Qatar Airways and Korean Air, relationships that may evolve under new ownership.
For corporate travel programmes the takeover could reshape Central-European flight networks. Pegasus plans to integrate Smartwings’ short-haul schedule with its Istanbul hub, adding same-day connections to the Gulf and South-East Asia that currently require overnight layovers. Conversely, some low-yield seasonal routes popular with Czech holidaymakers may be cut.
For travellers mapping out these new itineraries, visa requirements can quickly become a moving target. VisaHQ’s platform (https://www.visahq.com/czech-republic/) offers real-time guidance and application assistance for trips starting in, ending in, or transiting through the Czech Republic and Turkey—helping corporate travel managers secure the correct documents as routes and stopovers shift.
Analysts say the deal reflects post-pandemic consolidation pressures: Smartwings has struggled with high fuel costs and MAX grounding compensation delays, while Pegasus seeks EU-based Air Operator’s Certificates to sidestep bilateral constraints. The Czech Civil Aviation Authority must still examine ownership-and-control criteria and competition impacts at Prague and Brno airports.
Employee unions have demanded assurances that the carrier’s 2,500 Czech-based staff will retain local contracts. Pegasus CEO Güliz Öztürk signalled that maintenance and training centres would stay in the country, but did not rule out a review of crew bases.
If approvals proceed smoothly, closing is expected within 12 months. Travel managers should monitor fare-class mapping and alliance participation—Smartwings currently interlines with Qatar Airways and Korean Air, relationships that may evolve under new ownership.
