Traveling from Manila to Istanbul is now within reach for Filipinos as AirAsia X (AAX), the leading medium to long-haul low-cost carrier, launched its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Türkiye.
With this new connection, Filipino travelers can now conveniently fly via Kuala Lumpur to explore Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis bridging Europe and Asia.
The inaugural service departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) and arrived at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), marking a historic milestone for AAX as it expands its network into one of the most dynamic cultural and economic hubs in the world.
This launch also signals AAX’s first-ever route to Türkiye, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to growing its long-haul footprint and making global travel more accessible to guests from all walks of life.
For Filipino travelers, reaching Istanbul has become easier with AirAsia Philippines’ extensive connectivity. Guests may now fly from Manila to Kuala Lumpur (14x weekly) or Cebu to Kuala Lumpur (14x weekly), and seamlessly connect to Istanbul via AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service.
“The launch of our inaugural service to Istanbul is a bold, yet long awaited step in AirAsia X’s long-haul growth strategy. Türkiye represents a strong and dynamic market with immense potential for both leisure and business travel,” Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A said.
“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,” he added.
Benyamin Ismail, chief executive of AirAsia X said: “Istanbul has long been one of the most requested destinations among AAX’s guests – a true crossroads where East meets West, rich in history, culture and commerce. With this new direct service, we are not just launching a route; we are opening a vital bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe.
“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, serving as a key step in rebuilding our network and reaffirming our leadership in long-haul, low-cost travel – connecting more people, more often, to more places and making the world a cosier place,” he added.
