AirAsia launches Manila-Istanbul route in November • PhilSTAR Life

Filipinos now have a new, budget-friendly way to reach Istanbul as AirAsia announced flights from Manila to Turkey’s largest city via Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia President and CEO Suresh Bangah said the new route aims to expand access to global destinations while also boosting inbound travel to the Philippines through its Fly-Thru service.

"The launch of this new route to Istanbul underscores our commitment to making world-class destinations more accessible for Filipinos. At the same time, the Philippines is a vibrant and beautiful destination in itself, and through AirAsia’s extensive network and Fly-Thru service, we aim to welcome more international travelers to discover the best of our country," said Bangah.

The flights will operate four times a week beginning on Nov. 14.

Istanbul, famously known as the city that bridges Europe and Asia, is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

To visit, Philippine passport holders need to get a visa beforehand, which they can apply for online using Turkey's e-visa system. Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Ireland visas may qualify for simplified e-visas, while others can apply through the Turkish Embassy in Manila.

If you want to see exciting things Turkey has to offer, read here. And, if you're ready to tempt your taste buds, discover the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine in this article.

TAGS: manila AIRASIA turkey FLIGHTS Istanbul

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Hannah Garzon

Hannah is a senior Journalism student from University of Santo Tomas. A lifelong storyteller, she began writing at a young age and has since developed a passion for covering diverse narratives. Beyond writing, she serves as the manager of one of the university's esports teams. Her hobbies include reading, playing video games, and swimming.