Filipino travelers will soon have another gateway to Europe as AirAsia announced the launch of flights to Istanbul beginning November 14.
The budget airline said the service will operate four times a week on a Manila–Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul route, with a stop in Malaysia before continuing to Turkey.
“This new route to Istanbul underscores our commitment to making world-class destinations more accessible for Filipinos,” AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah said in a statement.
He added that beyond opening doors for Filipinos, the route will also promote inbound tourism: “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.”
Istanbul, known for its rich history and iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and ancient city walls, has seen growing interest among Filipinos, partly fueled by the rising popularity of Turkish dramas in the Philippines.

