Filipino travelers can now explore the crossroads of Europe and Asia with ease as AirAsia X (AAX) launches its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, Türkiye. This milestone marks AAX’s first-ever route to Türkiye, expanding the airline’s long-haul network and making global travel more accessible than ever.
The historic inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), signaling a new era for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and business opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Filipinos can conveniently connect to Istanbul via AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service, flying from Manila or Cebu to Kuala Lumpur (14x weekly) and onward to Türkiye, opening doors to seamless international travel.
Strategic Growth and Connectivity
Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A, emphasized the significance of the route:
“Istanbul represents a strong and dynamic market for both leisure and business travel. This new route strengthens our network connectivity between Southeast Asia and Eurasia, making long-haul travel more accessible and affordable for our guests.”
AAX CEO Benyamin Ismail added:
“Istanbul has long been one of our most requested destinations. With this service, we are not just launching a route; we are opening a bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe. Türkiye welcomed over 62 million international visitors last year, and AirAsia X is excited to make it more reachable for travelers across ASEAN.”
A Gateway to History, Culture, and Cuisine
Istanbul is a city of contrasts—ancient heritage meets modern vibrancy. Visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, explore bustling bazaars, indulge in a thriving culinary scene, and experience halal-friendly tourism offerings across two continents divided by the majestic Bosphorus Strait.
His Excellency Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Malaysia, said:
“This new airway connection enhances Türkiye-Malaysia relations and strengthens broader global connectivity.”
Flight Details and Promotions
AAX operates four weekly flights to Istanbul, offering over 150,000 seats annually with competitive fares starting from RM749 / USD205 all-in one-way*. Promotional fares are available for booking until 30 November 2025 for travel until 14 September 2026 via airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
With this new route, AirAsia X continues its mission to connect more people, more often, to more places—making global travel seamless, affordable, and unforgettable.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Istanbul (SAW):
*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.
