-- AirAsia X (AAX), the leading medium to long-haul low-cost carrier, celebrated another milestone with the launch of its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul - extending greater value and connectivity for Singapore travellers through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru options.
Photo Caption: [L to R] Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; Mr. Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, Consul General Of Malaysia In Istanbul; Mr Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; Mr. Sinan Seha Türkseven General Manager; Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Mr. Hasan Hamdan, Aviation Marketing, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Flight D7 604, departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) on 14 November 2025 at 9:35AM and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) at 4:05PM local time, signifying a historic moment for AAX as it connects Asean with one of the world’s most dynamic cultural and economic cities in the world.
This launch marks the first-ever AAX service to Türkiye, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint beyond Asia and offering affordable long-haul travel options for everyone.
Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A said: "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. 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."
Benyamin Ismail, CEO 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 service, Singaporeans can now enjoy a seamless and affordable Fly-Thru journey from Singapore to Turkiye via Kuala Lumpur, tapping into AirAsia’s vast network of over 130 destinations.
“As Türkiye welcomed over 62 million international visitors last year, we are proud to make this iconic cultural bridge between East and West more accessible. This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone to boost tourism and regional connectivity, serving as a key step in rebuilding our network and reaffirming our promise in long-haul, low-cost travel - connecting more people, more often, to more places and making the world a cosier place.”
His Excellency Mr. Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Malaysia said: “Today we are welcoming an additional new airway connection between two ends of the Asian continent with the efforts of Air Asia X. I believe that this bridge between Kuala Lumpur and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, will serve not only to the development of Türkiye-Malaysia relations but also to the enhancement of a broader perspective of global connectivity.”
Istanbul, famed for its halal tourism offerings, is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Spanning two continents across the majestic Bosphorus Strait, the city dazzles with its timeless landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace - alongside bustling bazaars, vibrant street life and a thriving culinary scene.
AAX flies to Istanbul with four times weekly flights, offering more than 150,000 seats annually. To celebrate this milestone, AAX is offering special promotional fares from SGD395* all-in one-way, from Singapore to Istanbul with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Promotional flights are available for booking from today until 23 November 2025, for the travel period between now and 30 November 2026 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) currently operates 11 daily flights weekly between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, ensuring a smooth Fly-Thru connectivity for travellers heading onward to Istanbul and other long-haul AAX destinations.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Istanbul (SAW):
All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.
Release ID: 89176248
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