AirAsia X KL-Istanbul route marks the next chapter of AirAsia's growth into Europe

AirAsia X (AAX) has announced its long-awaited entry into Europe with the launch of a new direct route from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, Türkiye. Beginning 14 November 2025, this AirAsia X KL-Istanbul service will operate four times weekly, marking a major milestone in the airline’s global network expansion.

The move opens a crucial gateway between Southeast Asia and Europe, with Istanbul’s unique position as the only city spanning two continents—Europe and Asia—offering travellers the chance to experience an extraordinary blend of cultures, history, and architecture.

Flights will land at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), a key hub with over 117 international and 40 domestic connections. This provides Southeast Asian travellers with a wider range of onward travel options, while passengers from Türkiye and beyond gain direct access to AirAsia’s network of more than 130 destinations across Asia-Pacific.

A Strategic Connection for the World Traveller

AirAsia X’s flights will land at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), a major travel hub connecting to over 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. For Southeast Asians, this means easy access not just to Türkiye, but to a whole new world of European adventures.

For travellers from Istanbul and beyond, it’s a seamless gateway to AirAsia’s 130+ destinations, including Bali, Sydney, Bangkok, Shanghai, and more—thanks to the airline’s Fly-Thru service that keeps your baggage checked through to your final destination.

The Celebration Fares

To mark the occasion, AirAsia X is rolling out introductory one-way fares from RM499 all-in for economy and RM3,999 all-in for Premium Flatbed, available for booking until 20 August 2025 for travel from 14 November 2025 to 14 September 2026. As a bonus, passengers can enjoy up to 45% off checked baggage for a limited time.

Why Istanbul? The City Where Continents Kiss

To walk through Istanbul is to wander through a living museum. Here, ancient Byzantine churches stand alongside Ottoman mosques, and bustling bazaars hum with centuries-old trade. Picture yourself standing on the Galata Bridge, sipping thick Turkish coffee as ferries glide across the Bosphorus Strait, linking two continents in one dazzling view.

From the golden mosaics of the Hagia Sophia to the shimmering blue tiles of the Blue Mosque, from the opulence of Topkapi Palace to the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar—Istanbul is a sensory feast that feels both exotic and familiar.

A Strategic Connection for the World Traveller

AirAsia X’s flights will land at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), a major travel hub connecting to over 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. For Southeast Asians, this means easy access not just to Türkiye, but to a whole new world of European adventures.

For travellers from Istanbul and beyond, it’s a seamless gateway to AirAsia’s 130+ destinations, including Bali, Sydney, Bangkok, Shanghai, and more—thanks to the airline’s Fly-Thru service that keeps your baggage checked through to your final destination.

“Istanbul has always been a dream destination for many of our guests,” said Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X. “This long-awaited route brings us closer to our vision of connecting Asia to the world through affordable, medium-haul travel. It’s also a strategic move that strengthens our network, supports business opportunities, and opens new travel experiences for our guests.”

To celebrate the new route, AAX is offering introductory fares starting from RM499 all-in one-way for economy and RM3,999 all-in one-way for its award-winning Premium Flatbed, available for booking until 20 August 2025 for travel between 14 November 2025 and 14 September 2026 via airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app. Passengers can also enjoy up to 45% off checked baggage as part of the promotion.

AirAsia X KL-Istanbul offers seamless affordable travel for Singaporeans via Kuala Lumpur

In addition to boosting tourism, the new route will support ikhlas.com’s Umrah Plus Istanbul package, allowing Muslim travellers to combine a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia with a cultural visit to one of the world’s most iconic cities. AAX’s Fly-Thru service will also enable seamless onward connections to destinations such as Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, China, and Thailand without the need for baggage recheck.

With the introduction of the Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route, Singaporean travellers can now enjoy seamless Fly-Thru connection to one of the world’s most iconic transcontinental cities through a more affordable travel option.”

In celebration of this milestone, AAX is offering introductory promotional fares from SGD299* all-in one way.