All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest 5-Star airline for 12 consecutive years, has officially launched direct flights from Tokyo to Istanbul, connecting the two vibrant cities with three weekly services.
The new route will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays using Boeing 787-800 aircraft.
The inaugural flight, which landed at İGA Istanbul Airport, was greeted with a welcoming ceremony attended by aviation officials and airline executives. The new service comes as Turkey and Japan celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, marking a significant milestone in the countries’ long-standing partnership.
Server Aydın, Deputy General Manager of Commerce at İGA Istanbul Airport, emphasized the symbolic importance of the launch, stating that ANA’s arrival further strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
ANA is now the 111th airline to operate at Istanbul Airport, which continues to expand its global network. The airport recently welcomed Sky Express, pushing the number of airlines past 110 and solidifying its status as a key international hub.
Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA, expressed his enthusiasm for the airline’s expansion:
“We are proud to include Istanbul in our ever-growing global network. This milestone not only increases travel opportunities for our passengers but also plays a vital role in deepening the ties between Turkey and Japan. As a bridge connecting nations, we remain committed to fostering stronger connections and enhancing cultural exchange.”
The new Tokyo-Istanbul route is expected to attract both leisure and business travelers, offering greater convenience and encouraging tourism and economic collaboration between the two countries.
With ANA’s entry into the Turkish market, travelers can now enjoy a seamless journey between Japan and Turkey, with access to ANA’s world-class in-flight services and Istanbul Airport’s state-of-the-art facilities.
