(ST. PETERSBURG) Turkish Airlines will expand service between Istanbul and St. Petersburg this winter season, lifting weekly frequencies from 21 to 25 starting December 8, 2025, and assigning Airbus A321 aircraft to the additional flights. The airline’s move positions Istanbul as a stronger connecting hub for travelers moving between Russia and global markets while giving St. Petersburg more options during the peak cold-weather period, when reliable international links carry extra weight for families, students, and business travelers.
According to the carrier’s published plans, the expanded schedule includes multiple daily departures, with detailed timings set for the period from January 15, 2026, to March 5, 2026. While specific flight numbers and exact times vary by day, the headline development is clear: more seats and more daily choices on the core Istanbul–St. Petersburg corridor. Turkish Airlines says customers can find current schedules and purchase tickets through the official Turkish Airlines site, where round-trip economy fares on the route are listed from TRY 18,006.
The expansion also comes as AJet, the low-cost subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, launches direct service from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport to St. Petersburg. Those flights operate four days per week through the end of March and will step up to daily in April, widening access on the Istanbul–St. Petersburg market beyond the mainline operation. Together, the two brands signal a deeper commitment to the city pair, matching growing demand for connections that use Istanbul’s strong bank of flights across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Service expansion details
- Start date: December 8, 2025
- Weekly frequency: Increasing from 21 to 25
- Aircraft for added frequencies: Airbus A321
- High-season schedule window listed: January 15, 2026 – March 5, 2026
- AJet feeder growth: Four weekly flights from Sabiha Gökçen becoming daily in April
Turkish Airlines frames the change as part of a broader strategy to build global connectivity by adding frequencies on high-demand routes and leaning on Istanbul’s strategic geography. The airline’s hub structure makes quick connections possible in both directions, which is especially valuable for travelers from St. Petersburg using Istanbul as a one-stop link to destinations that would otherwise require two or more stops.
“More frequencies typically support more stable pricing, improve schedule flexibility, and give passengers better odds of same-day rebooking during disruptions.” — VisaVerge.com (summary of typical effects)
For residents of St. Petersburg, the added flights create more realistic itinerary options for trips that depend on tight transfer windows in Istanbul, including family visits timed to school breaks, medical travel, and short-notice business meetings.
Who benefits and why
- Students: Earlier morning departures that pair with afternoon long-haul flights from Istanbul make onward connections more feasible.
- Families: Late-evening returns reduce the need for overnight layovers when returning from winter holidays.
- Small businesses: Additional weekly flights improve chances of finding workable seats when booking close to departure, especially around holidays and conferences.
- Price-sensitive travelers: AJet’s service from Sabiha Gökçen may offer lower fares and the convenience of Istanbul’s Asian-side airport.
- Transfer passengers: Turkish Airlines’ flights into Istanbul Airport connect directly to the carrier’s long-haul network, aiding one-stop itineraries.
Travel and booking notes
- Tickets and schedules are available through Turkish Airlines, which lists round-trip economy fares from TRY 18,006 on the Istanbul–St. Petersburg route. Fares change based on demand, travel dates, and availability.
- AJet’s separate operation from Sabiha Gökçen is already live at four weekly flights, moving to daily service in April. Travelers should compare:
- airport preferences (Istanbul Airport vs. Sabiha Gökçen),
- connection times, and
- baggage policies before booking across brands.
For official guidance on Türkiye’s entry rules and e-visa offerings, travelers can consult the government’s e-visa portal operated by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the official e-Visa website. Rules can change, and using an official source helps reduce last-minute surprises at the airport.
Operational rationale
Assigning Airbus A321 aircraft to the additional flights aligns with Turkish Airlines’ common practice on short- to medium-haul routes where demand is strong and block times are manageable. Narrow-body jets like the A321 can absorb added frequencies efficiently and allow the airline to fine-tune capacity without committing wide-body aircraft during a season when network flexibility matters.
For travelers, this typically means:
- more consistent cabin products across many departures,
- increased predictability when plans shift, and
- the ability to match capacity to demand without overcommitting.
Regional and economic impact
From a regional perspective, the added frequencies reaffirm Istanbul’s status as a practical meeting point between different parts of the world. For St. Petersburg residents who rely on international connections for family ties or work projects, an extra four flights per week adds meaningful resilience. If one departure fills or a delay affects a planned trip, another same-day option may still be available.
Industry watchers also note:
- Frequency growth can support local economies by making it easier for visitors to match event calendars and school schedules.
- Greater certainty around flight times can encourage weekend visits and short business stays, supporting hotels and restaurants during a slower travel season.
- In Istanbul, rising passenger flows sustain the hub model, which depends on steady transfer volumes.
Practical planning tips and warnings
- Monitor final timetable updates for the January 15–March 5, 2026 high-season period as the start date approaches.
- Watch weather-related advisories in both cities—winter disruptions can ripple across schedules.
- Double-check transit times in Istanbul when pairing separate tickets (allow extra time for transfer security and terminal changes).
- Confirm visa and transit requirements well before travel; consult the official e-Visa website for Türkiye entry rules.
- Book earlier when possible to access wider fare buckets; the published pricing floor (TRY 18,006 round-trip economy) is a baseline and may change with demand.
Final takeaway
As the December 8, 2025 start date approaches, the headline is straightforward: more flights, more seats, and more ways to reach St. Petersburg through Istanbul this winter. The combined effect of Turkish Airlines’ mainline expansion and AJet’s growth from Sabiha Gökçen should give travelers increased flexibility across the winter and into spring, especially for those managing tight connections or prioritizing budget options.
For bookings and the most up-to-date schedules, check the carrier’s published information at Turkish Airlines.
This Article in a Nutshell
Turkish Airlines will expand its Istanbul–St. Petersburg service beginning December 8, 2025, increasing weekly frequencies from 21 to 25 and assigning Airbus A321s to the added flights. The carrier has published a high-season schedule with multiple daily departures for January 15–March 5, 2026, and lists round-trip economy fares from TRY 18,006. Complementing the mainline expansion, AJet operates four weekly Sabiha Gökçen–St. Petersburg flights through March and will move to daily service in April 2026. The combined expansion enhances Istanbul’s hub role, offers travelers more flexible connections and seating options during winter, and supports regional tourism and business travel.
