Europe's best airline launches new flights to pretty city with rich history and £2.50 pints
Turkish Airlines, which was recently crowned the continent's best carrier in the World Airline Awards, has announced it will operate flights to Istanbul from Stansted in 2026.
The service will launch on March 18 2026 and the airline will operate 14 weekly flights on the route.
Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines general manager, says: 'This new service increases our total weekly UK-Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.'
Istanbul is one of the world's most-visited cities and welcomes around 17 million tourists a year.
It's the ideal destination for history fans, being home to some of the globe's most incredible landmarks.
The Hagia Sophia, which was finished in 537 AD, has served as a church, museum and mosque in its long history. The building's stunning architecture makes it a must-see.
The city's Blue Mosque is one of the best examples of an Ottoman mosque in the whole of Turkey. As its name suggests, the interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate blue tiling.
It's completely free to visit the mosque, making it one of the city's best attractions to add to your itinerary.
Tourists can also explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient cistern located beneath the streets of the city. Movie buffs will recognise the historic site from its feature in the James Bond film From Russia with Love.
If history isn't your thing, the city is also one of the world's best destinations for shopping. Head to the Grand Bazaar to explore thousands of shops selling souvenirs, kitchenware, jewellery and more.
Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline or enjoy a slice of chocolate-coated burnt cheesecake underneath the tower.
Food is a highlight of any trip to Istanbul and tourists should try to indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast while they're there.
The huge spread includes cheeses, eggs, jams, bread, meat and fruit. Other Istanbul delicacies include fish sandwiches, stuffed mussels and Turkish pizza.
Tourists can also opt to unwind with a traditional Turkish hammam experience. The visit usually includes a full-body scrub, sauna and steam room.
And a trip to Istanbul doesn't have to break the bank.
According to Numbeo, a domestic beer costs just £2.50 in Istanbul, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant comes to £7.33.
The flight from London generally takes just under four hours, while Turkish Airlines also offers routes from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Speaking about the new route, London Stansted's managing director Gareth Powell says: 'We're delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines to London Stansted.
'This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.'
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