Kuala Lumpur, August 11 - AirAsia X, the long-haul, low-cost subsidiary of the AirAsia Group, is set to make a significant return to the European market with the launch of its Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul route in mid-November 2025. This strategic expansion marks a pivotal moment for the Malaysian airline, which has been steadily rebuilding its network following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new service will re-establish AirAsia X’s presence in Europe, a market it has not served since suspending its London and Paris routes in 2012 due to high operational costs and insufficient demand. The announcement underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity while maintaining its hallmark affordability, aligning with its mission to make long-haul travel accessible to a broader audience.
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The Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route will operate four weekly round trips, utilizing the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft, known for their efficiency in long-haul operations. This service will connect Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) with Istanbul, a major global hub that bridges Asia and Europe. The decision to launch this route reflects AirAsia X’s focus on high-demand destinations, capitalizing on Istanbul’s status as a cultural and economic crossroads. The city’s appeal as a tourist destination, coupled with its role as a transit point for onward travel to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, makes it a strategic addition to the airline’s network. This move is expected to attract both leisure travelers and those seeking affordable connections to other regions via Istanbul.
AirAsia X’s entry into Istanbul is part of a broader expansion strategy for 2025, which includes over 30 new routes across the Capital A, parent company for AirAsia and AirAsiaX, aimed at strengthening ASEAN and international connectivity. The airline has been granted air traffic rights by the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM), enabling this ambitious venture. The introduction of the Istanbul route follows the successful launch of other long-haul destinations, such as Nairobi, Kenya, and Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2024, marking AirAsia X’s foray into African and Central Asian markets. The airline’s recovery from the pandemic, which saw a suspension of operations in 2020 and a subsequent debt restructuring in 2022, has been bolstered by a focus on operational efficiency and fleet optimization. By mid-2025, AirAsia X expects to have fully reactivated its fleet, with the addition of a 19th Airbus A330 in February 2025 and plans for further aircraft deliveries to support its expanding network.
The Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul service is anticipated to enhance AirAsia X’s Fly-Thru connectivity, allowing passengers to seamlessly connect to other destinations within the airline’s extensive Asian network, including Australia, Japan, and China. This aligns with the airline’s goal of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a mega-hub for low-cost travel, handling a significant portion of its Fly-Thru traffic. By offering competitive fares and leveraging Istanbul’s strategic location, AirAsia X aims to capture a growing segment of intra-Asia and Asia-Europe travelers, driven by easing visa policies and rising travel demand. This launch not only signifies AirAsia X’s resurgence but also reinforces its vision of becoming a leading global low-cost carrier, connecting ASEAN to the world.