AirAsia X flies to Türkiye with inaugural flight to Istanbul

The launch of AAX’s first service to Türkiye is another step in the airline’s expansion beyond Asia, offering affordable long-haul travel options for budget conscious travellers. With flights to Istanbul four times weekly, you’ll have a choice of over 150,000 seats annually. You can pick up a promotional all-in one-way fare from RM749* (USD205*) until 30th November 2025, for travel until 14th September 2026 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app. *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A said at the event commemorating the launch that the service to Istanbul is a long awaited step in AirAsia X’s long-haul growth strategy as Türkiye represents a strong and dynamic market with immense potential for both leisure and business travel.

…. This new route not only enhances our network connectivity between Southeast Asia and Eurasia but also reinforces our position as a key player in affordable long-haul travel. As demand for international travel to various major cities in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East continues to accelerate, we remain focused on expanding into strategic markets that strengthen our global footprint and deliver greater value to our guests, partners and stakeholders across the region.

Istanbul offers a blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy which also make it popular with visitors looking for halal tourism offerings. Spanning two continents across the  Bosphorus Strait, visitors flock to the city’s timeless landmarks including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace as well as the bustling bazaars, vibrant street life and a thriving culinary scene.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Istanbul (SAW):

All timings are local. Istanbul time is 5 hours behind Kuala Lumpur.

Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X  added that Istanbul has long been one of the most requested destinations among AAX’s guests.

…. Türkiye welcomed over 62 million international visitors last year alone, and we are excited to make it more accessible and affordable for Malaysians and travellers across the Asean region, particularly with AirAsia’s expansive Fly-Thru options spanning over 130 destinations. This inaugural flight is also timely as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026, supporting the nation’s efforts to boost inbound tourism and regional connectivity.

…. Today we are welcoming an additional new airway connection between two ends of the Asian continent with the efforts of Air Asia X. I believe that this bridge between Kuala Lumpur and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, will serve not only to the development of Türkiye-Malaysia relations but also to the enhancement of a broader perspective of global connectivity.His Excellency Mr. Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Malaysia.