AirAsia X has launched its first direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul, marking a major expansion for the long-haul low-cost airline and introducing one-way fares starting at $205.
The inaugural service operates four times weekly and establishes a new direct air link between Malaysia and Turkey under the carrier.
The new route strengthens AirAsia X’s growth strategy as it rebuilds its long-haul network and expands connectivity across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Executives said the service responds to strong travel demand between the regions and offers new options for tourism and business traffic. The first flight departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport on 14 November 2025.
Airline Marks Milestone With First Turkey Service
AirAsia X positions the Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul route as a key step in widening its global footprint and supporting affordable long-haul travel. “The launch of this route is a bold but long-awaited step in AirAsia X’s growth strategy,” said Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A. He said Turkey and Malaysia are “strong and dynamic markets” with significant potential for tourism and business travel.
Kamarudin said the launch strengthens the carrier’s connectivity between Southeast Asia and Eurasia at a time of rising demand for international travel to Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. He added that AirAsia X remains focused on entering strategic markets that enhance global access for guests, partners and stakeholders.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said the Istanbul route has long been one of the airline’s most requested destinations. “Istanbul is a crossroads where East meets West, offering remarkable richness in history, culture and trade,” he said. He added that the new flights create “an important bridge” between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Growing Demand and New Travel Opportunities
Turkey welcomed more than 62 million international visitors last year, and AirAsia X expects its Fly-Thru network of more than 130 destinations to make the country more accessible for travellers from Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. Ismail said the route also supports Visit Malaysia 2026 planning and reinforces the airline’s position in low-cost long-haul travel.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Emir Salim Yüksel, said the new Istanbul connection strengthens bilateral ties and contributes to global connectivity. He said the service marks the opening of a new air link between the two ends of Asia.
AirAsia X is operating four weekly flights on the Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul service, offering more than 150,000 annual seats. Promotional one-way fares from $205, including taxes and fees, are available on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app until 30 November 2025 for travel through 14 September 2026. All times use local time and the 24-hour clock.
Flight D7 604 departs Kuala Lumpur at 09:35 and arrives in Istanbul at 16:05. The return service, D7 605, leaves Istanbul at 17:20 and lands in Kuala Lumpur at 08:40 the following day. Flights operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The launch provides access to Kuala Lumpur’s cultural landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang and Merdeka Square, with onward connections across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore through the airline’s Fly-Thru network. Travellers in Istanbul now have a low-cost option to reach destinations across the broader ASEAN region.
