Kuala Lumpur, November 19 - AirAsia X, the long-haul arm of Asia’s leading low-cost carrier group, has officially expanded its network into Türkiye with the launch of its new Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul route, marking the airline’s first-ever service to the country and the only direct low-cost connection between Southeast Asia and Türkiye.
The inaugural flight D7 538 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (klia2) on 14 February 2025 and landed at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) the following day, welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute. Operating four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured with 377 seats (12 Premium Flatbeds and 365 Economy), the route offers travelers an affordable gateway to Istanbul’s rich history, vibrant culture, and strategic position bridging Europe and Asia.
The new Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul flights are timed for convenient connections across AirAsia’s extensive ASEAN network, making it easier for passengers from Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali, Phuket, and beyond to reach Türkiye without the premium fares of full-service carriers. Return fares start from as low as MYR 999 (US$240) all-in one way in Economy and MYR 2,999 (US$722) in the award-winning Premium Flatbed, positioning AirAsia X as the most budget-friendly option for Southeast Asian travelers planning Istanbul holidays, transcontinental adventures, or even onward connections to Europe and the Middle East via Sabiha Gökçen’s growing hub.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail stated that the Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul route not only strengthens Malaysia’s tourism ties with Türkiye but also supports the national goal of welcoming more international visitors through low-cost long-haul travel. With this addition, AirAsia X now serves 18 destinations worldwide, further solidifying its position as the leading medium-to-long-haul low-cost carrier from Southeast Asia and giving travelers more reasons to book AirAsia X flights to Istanbul today.
