August 13, 2025 | 07:40 am
Airline company AirAsia X (AAX), a subsidiary of the AirAsia group operating wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, has announced a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, Turkiye.
The direct flights connecting the cities of two continents in the East and West will commence operation on November 14, 2025, with a frequency of four flights per week.
"Istanbul has always been a dream destination for many of our guests, and its launch marks another proud moment in our journey to rebuild stronger than ever before," said AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail in a statement on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Benyamin stated that this route has long been awaited following the airline's latest expansion into Central Asia. According to him, this route is a step closer to bringing affordable medium-haul intercontinental connectivity. "As the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul fully reflects AirAsia X's vision to bridge Asia and its surroundings through affordable medium-haul travel. This is a strategic decision that strengthens our network, opens up more business collaboration opportunities, and expands access to new experiences for travelers around the world," said Benyamin.
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Malaysia, Emir Salim Yuksel, stated that the new connection between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul is a tangible step in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and Turkey. "This will not only increase tourist flows but also broaden business relations, drive industry collaborations, and open up new avenues for education, innovation, and community interaction," said Emir.
By enhancing air connectivity, Emir added, this brings the two regions closer in a way that benefits tourists, communities, and economies.
This strategic launch marks AAX's long-anticipated entry into Europe, opening an important gateway connecting Southeast Asia to Europe through one of the world's richest historically and geographically unique destinations.
Situated on two continents separated by the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers a rare opportunity for travelers to experience the beauty of two worlds simultaneously.
The airline will operate from Sabiha Gken International Airport (SAW), the main hub connected to over 117 international destinations and 40 domestic destinations. This provides more options for onward travel for guests from Southeast Asia, while also offering easy access for travelers from Istanbul and its surroundings to AirAsia's network covering 130 destinations at the best prices.
From Istanbul, travelers can easily connect to various destinations in Asia, including Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, China, Thailand, and more through convenient Fly-Thru services, without the need to re-check baggage. Likewise, travelers from Europe and its surroundings can now explore the beauty of Southeast Asia easily through AirAsia's extensive network.
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