AirAsia X soars into Türkiye with inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul

AirAsia X has officially launched its first-ever direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul, marking a major milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy

Historic First:
- Flight D7 604 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (T2) on 14 November 2025 and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul.
- This is AirAsia X’s first service to Türkiye, connecting Southeast Asia directly with Eurasia.

Network Expansion:
- Strengthens connectivity between Malaysia, ASEAN countries, and Europe/Central Asia/Middle East.
- Supports Visit Malaysia 2026, boosting inbound tourism and regional travel.

Flight Frequency & Capacity:
- Operates four times weekly, offering 150,000+ seats annually.
- Promotional fares start from RM749 / USD205 one-way, available until 30 November 2025 for travel up to 14 September 2026.

Passenger Benefits:
- Access to AirAsia’s Fly-Thru network spanning 130+ destinations.
- Affordable long-haul travel options designed for both leisure and business travelers.

Strategic Importance:
- Türkiye welcomed 62 million international visitors in 2024, making Istanbul a high-demand destination.
- The route enhances Malaysia–Türkiye relations and broadens global connectivity.

Why It Matters
This launch positions AirAsia X as a key player in affordable long-haul travel, bridging East and West with competitive fares and expanded network options. It’s also a timely move ahead of Malaysia’s tourism push in 2026