Pegasus Airlines has announced its traffic results for the January-September period, achieving 7.4 year-on-year growth in its total number of guests on domestic and international routes combined.

In total the low-cost carrier welcomed 18.08 million guests over the nine month period.

The number of Pegasus guests flying on Turkish domestic routes increased by 10.9 per cent to reach 11.42 million while the number of guests flying on international routes witnessed a 1.9 per cent increase with 6.66 million guests flown.

Pegasus also increased the number of flights it operates in the same period by ten per cent to 125,470 flights.

Commenting on the nine month traffic results, Pegasus Airlines chief executive Mehmet Nane said: “The global tourism sector has experienced some challenging geo-political conditions this year, especially during the peak summer months.

“As Pegasus Airlines we have continued with our investments despite the fluctuations in the sector and the declining demand on some of our routes and the result is that we have been successful in steadily growing our number of guests and flights.

“Including the delivery of the first aircraft from our Airbus A320 and A321 order in July we have thus far received four new aircraft in total this year.

“Our A320neo aircraft add value to our company by reducing fuel per seat mile costs by up to 20 per cent compared to its counterparts and benefitting the environment by offering quieter operations and reduced emissions, as well as enhancing our guest experience by providing a more comfortable journey.”