AirAsia X adds Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul winter flights for 2025/26

AirAsia X will return to Europe this winter with new nonstops between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), starting November 14, 2025. The carrier will fly four times weekly using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, marking its first European service since 2012. Announced August 11–13, the route anchors a broader push by the long-haul low-cost airline to rebuild its western network while keeping prices within reach for budget-minded travelers and families.

Early sales are designed to spur bookings. Economy seats start from RM 499 one-way in the introductory offer, with Premium Flatbed from RM 3,999. The promotional window runs until August 20, 2025, for travel from the launch date into late 2026. After the launch sale, regular economy fares start from RM 799 one-way. AirAsia X is also advertising up to 45% off checked baggage for early purchases.

Route launch and schedule

Flights will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, giving long-weekend options for leisure travelers and workable patterns for students and workers shuttling between Malaysia and Turkey.

The scheduled flight time is about 11 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul and 10 hours on the return. Importantly, the service lands at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on Istanbul’s Asian side, rather than the main Istanbul Airport (IST).

AirAsia X’s choice of SAW is strategic. The airport offers onward links to more than 117 international and 40 domestic points, expanding choices for Malaysians heading deeper into Turkey and for European and Middle Eastern travelers connecting eastbound through Kuala Lumpur.

For Southeast Asia, AirAsia’s Fly-Thru product allows travelers from cities like Singapore to book a single itinerary, check bags through in Kuala Lumpur, and continue to Istanbul without a fresh check-in.

“Istanbul is a dream destination,” said CEO Benyamin Ismail, framing the city as both a destination and a bridge. The launch is described as a proud step in rebuilding the airline’s long-haul map.

This move follows recent AirAsia X growth into Central Asia, including Tashkent and Almaty, and comes as the airline exits Nairobi in September 2025 due to low demand.

Why SAW matters for travelers

For travelers weighing options on the Kuala Lumpur–Istanbul corridor, the competitive picture is clear. Turkish Airlines remains the only other carrier on the city pair, operating 18 weekly flights to IST, not SAW. AirAsia X’s arrival creates a price-sensitive alternative and introduces a different Istanbul entry point.

SAW’s location and scale appeal to:
– Travelers bound for Turkey’s heartlands
– Visitors connecting to nearby countries
– Budget-conscious travelers and families seeking lower fares

Industry watchers describe the route as a “game-changer” for affordable travel between Southeast Asia and Europe. Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests low-cost long-haul options tend to unlock trips that might otherwise be delayed or dropped, especially for families and students watching every ringgit.

AirAsia X says its network spans about 130 destinations across the AirAsia family, which could funnel new passenger flows into Istanbul during peak school breaks and holiday seasons.

Packages will broaden reach. Through ikhlas.com, Capital A’s Islamic lifestyle arm, AirAsia X plans “Umrah Plus Istanbul” bundles that combine a spiritual journey with time in Turkey—making the long flight feel more purposeful and affordable in a single booking.

Fares, booking, and travel details

Key details for the launch:

A simple three-step plan for travelers:

1. Search and book on the AirAsia MOVE app or airasia.com before the August 20 deadline to catch the lowest fares.
2. If starting in another Southeast Asian city, choose Fly-Thru via Kuala Lumpur so your bags are checked through to SAW.
3. Review baggage options during booking to lock in discounted checked bags.

The flight days also suit different traveler groups:
– Families: Monday and Friday flights help stitch together full weeks abroad without long layovers.
– Students and seasonal workers: Wednesday and Sunday patterns limit time away from class or work while still providing a full stay.

Travel and immigration considerations

While the airline focus is on price and schedule, border rules remain part of every trip. The company and tourism boards expect a lift in two-way travel between Malaysia and Turkey, helped by friendly entry policies, including visa-on-arrival for many ASEAN nationals.

Travelers should always confirm their own status before purchase, since visa rules differ by nationality, passport type, and purpose of travel. For Turkey-bound passengers, the official e-Visa portal provides current entry guidance and application steps: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

Important practical tips:
– Budget fares can fill fast on long weekends and school holidays—book early for the best deals.
– If you need flexibility, weigh the cost of date changes against paying more for a fare class with better change terms.
– For Fly-Thru trips, monitor minimum connection times in Kuala Lumpur and consider travel insurance that covers missed connections due to weather or schedule changes.

Strategic context and outlook

Behind the scenes, Capital A’s broader strategy hints at more growth. Tony Fernandes has discussed setting up “virtual hubs” across the Middle East, Europe, and East Asia, and a future order of fifty A321-200NY(XLR) aircraft for long-range narrowbody flying.

If those plans materialize, Istanbul could become a springboard to new points further into Europe, giving travelers more one-stop choices from Kuala Lumpur at low-cost price points.

Analysts note the airline is picking its shots: it cut Nairobi for demand reasons while targeting Istanbul for its tourism draw, price sensitivity, and strong connection options at SAW. That pragmatic approach may help the airline avoid the pitfalls that led to its 2012 pullback from London and Paris, which stemmed from weak financial performance on those routes.

Bottom line / Key takeaways

• AirAsia X will operate four weekly A330-300 flights between Kuala Lumpur and SAW starting Nov 14, 2025.
• Introductory economy fares start at RM 499 one-way (sale until Aug 20, 2025); post-promo economy from RM 799.
• The route offers a competitive, price-sensitive alternative on the Malaysia–Turkey corridor and expands onward connectivity via SAW.
• If you want the best deals, book before August 20—the lowest fares and baggage discounts are likely to go first.

Four weekly widebody flights, an 11-hour direct link into one of the world’s most visited cities, and headline fares aimed at keeping long-haul trips within reach—families, students, and first-time Turkey visitors will likely see this as a timely opportunity.