August 27, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Low-cost service AirAsia Philippines will mount one-stop flights from Manila to Istanbul because it seems to capitalize on a market but to be served by an area airline.
The airline will launch one-stop flights to Istanbul beginning Nov. 14, consistent with its technique to broaden its worldwide attain.
The flight will hyperlink Manila and Istanbul through Kuala Lumpur 4 occasions every week.
At current, flag service Turkish Airways is the only real operator connecting Manila and Istanbul on a direct flight. All different carriers handle a one-stop flight like AirAsia Philippines, however most place their layovers in Doha and Dubai.
AirAsia Philippines will present Filipinos with an alternative choice when touring to Istanbul, which is house to a number of the most well-known landmarks of the traditional occasions. Particularly, town homes the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower and the Partitions of Constantinople.
Istanbul is a 1.5-hour flight away to Cappadocia, which vacationers dream of visiting for its scorching air balloon rides, rock formations and underground cities.
AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah mentioned the airline is getting into a brand new path to stimulate journey and tourism between the Philippines and Turkey.
“The launch of this Manila path to Istanbul underscores our dedication to creating world-class locations extra accessible to Filipinos,” Bangah mentioned.
AirAsia Philippines is elevating flight frequency and widening its community attain to maintain up with opponents.
The service can be hoping to develop its fleet in time for the vacations.
In July, AirAsia Philippines scaled up its flight quantity to Taipei to 17 occasions every week following the extension of visa-free entry for Filipinos. Taipei can be one of many service’s strongest routes, with over 70,000 passengers flown within the first half.
As of June, AirAsia Philippines has flown greater than three million friends, and is aiming to hit 7.5 million by the tip of the 12 months.
AirAsia Philippines is making ready to scale up its fleet to 21 plane by year-end, from 15 at present, and this might be key for the airline to have the ability to discover new routes.