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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider AirAsia to mount flights to Istanbul starting November

AirAsia to mount flights to Istanbul starting November

Published Aug 26, 2025 01:32 pm
Low-cost carrier AirAsia is expanding its coverage of global destinations by launching flights from Manila to Istanbul, Turkey, via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, beginning November.
In a statement, AirAsia said it will operate the Manila-Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route four times a week, starting Nov. 14.
AirAsia Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Suresh Bangah said the launch of this new route reflects the airline’s commitment to connect Southeast Asia with the rest of the world.
“The launch of this new route to Istanbul underscores our commitment to making world-class destinations more accessible for Filipinos,” said Bangah.
“At the same time, the Philippines is a vibrant and beautiful destination in itself, and through AirAsia’s extensive network and Fly-Thru service, we aim to welcome more international travelers to discover the best of our country,” he added.
AirAsia said Istanbul is the most ideal destination for travelers “seeking culture at the crossroads of Asia and Europe,” as the city straddles between the two continents.
“Among its most famous landmarks are the Hagia Sophia, the majestic Blue Mosque, and the timeless ancient walls of Constantinople,” it said.
AirAsia Philippines currently operates a fleet of 15 aircraft, with plans to add four Airbus A320s by the end of the year to meet strong demand during the peak holiday season.
These additional jets are expected to boost the airline’s domestic coverage.
Over the next five years, the airline is looking to add up to 20 new aircraft to boost its operations, particularly to support its international push.
Bangah told reporters last month that AirAsia is studying the prospect of establishing new hubs in other airports across the country, such as Clark, Cebu, Bohol, and Tacloban.
He said this is driven by slot limitations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where the airline is currently operating.
As of May 21, AirAsia Philippines said it has served nearly three million passengers from January, covering its domestic and international network.
Domestically, the strongest routes during the first half of 2025 have been Cagayan, Cebu, and Caticlan. For the international front, they include Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.
The carrier is targeting to serve 7.5 million passengers this year, a four-percent increase from its 2024 year-end projection of 7.2 million.

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