12-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
AirAsia X marks Europe return with direct flights to Istanbul
SEPANG: AirAsia X Bhd will make its long-anticipated entry into Europe after 13 years with the launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, Türkiye, starting Nov 14 with four times weekly flights.
AirAsia X chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the airline is targeting to carry 150 passengers yearly for the Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul flights.
"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," he said at the announcement of AirAsia X's new destination here today.
AirAsia X will fly to Istanbul Sahiba Gökçen International Airport, an airport managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd which has connections to over 117 international and 40 domestic destinations.
Benyamin said the long-haul low-cost carrier aims to strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and Europe while also boost capacity to destinations such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia by leveraging Istanbul as a key entry point for passengers from Türkiye and the surrounding region.
AirAsia X will deploy its Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Istanbul route, with flight times of 11 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul and 10 hours on the return leg.
Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Benyamin said the airline is in discussions with Türkiye-based carriers for potential interline agreements to offer a seamless connection to passengers who plan to fly beyond Istanbul.
AirAsia X is offering promotional all-in one-way fares from RM499 for its seats and RM3,999 for its Premium Flatbed seats, bookable from now until Aug 20 for travel between Nov 14, 2025 and Sept 14, 2026
