AirAsia X is set to bridge two continents with the launch of its first-ever direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, offering travellers a faster, more convenient route to one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Beginning 14 November 2025, Istanbul, the legendary city in Turkiye where East meets West, will be connected directly to Kuala Lumpur with four weekly flights on AirAsia X, opening up a new era of travel between Southeast Asia and one of the most storied destinations in the world.
For travellers, Istanbul is more than a city, it’s an experience shaped by thousands of years of history, layered with culture, architecture, and traditions from both Europe and Asia.
From the grandeur of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the lively bustle of Istiklal Avenue, it offers travellers a journey through time and taste in every neighbourhood. By day, you can sail across the Bosphorus, wandering between continents in just 20 minutes. By night, you can lose yourself in rooftop views, sipping Turkish tea as the city’s lights reflect in the strait below.
Vibrant Gateway
With this new connection, flights will land at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) a vibrant gateway offering more than 150 onward destinations across Türkiye, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. From here, travellers can easily venture to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the turquoise coastlines of Antalya, or even further afield into the heart of Eastern Europe.
“As the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul perfectly captures our vision to bridge Asia and beyond through affordable, medium-haul travel. This is a strategic decision that strengthens our network, creates more pathways for business collaboration, and enhances access to new experiences for travellers around the world,” said CEO of Air Asia X, Benyamin Ismail.
“Istanbul isn’t just about landmarks, it’s about moments like hearing the sound of the muezzin carry across both continents, tasting baklava or standing on the Galata Bridge with fishermen on one side and ferries gliding past on the other. We’re excited to make these experiences more accessible to travellers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and beyond.” said H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Malaysia.
Umrah Package via Istanbul by AirAsia X
For Muslim travellers, the launch also introduces the Umrah Plus Istanbul package via ikhlas.com, combining a spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah with a few days in Istanbul a perfect blend of faith, history, and discovery.
For travellers from Turkiye and Europe, this new route offers effortless access to Southeast Asia’s jewels from the beaches of Thailand and Bali to the heritage streets of Penang and Melaka, all within a single network. Likewise, for Malaysians and their Southeast Asian neighbours, Istanbul now stands as a gateway to an entirely new world of travel possibilities.
Tourism players say the new service will benefit both regions: Southeast Asia’s beaches and heritage cities will become more accessible to Turkish and European tourists, while Malaysians gain direct access to Türkiye’s iconic destinations such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Antalya, and the vibrant districts of Istanbul.
The launch comes as Malaysia and Türkiye deepen bilateral ties, with growing cooperation in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Turkish visitor numbers to Malaysia are expected to rise sharply following the introduction of direct connectivity, while outbound travel from Malaysia to Türkiye has already seen consistent growth in recent years.
Affordable Alternative
With this addition, AirAsia X strengthens its competitive position in the long-haul low-cost market, offering travellers an affordable alternative for one of the most in-demand routes linking Southeast Asia to Europe.
AirAsia X will operate the Turkey route using the Airbus A330 aircraft, which is well-suited for long-haul flights due to its larger capacity and extended range. – NMH
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Attiqah Mohd is a writer for New Malaysia Herald and a seasoned PR Specialist with six years of experience in public relations, branding, and media relations across various industries. Beyond her corporate expertise, she is a creative storyteller, painter, poet as well as passionate humanitarian and active volunteer with MERCY Malaysia.
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