Turkish Airlines is set to take off from a new London airport from March, opening up access to a number of destinations in Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Turkish Airlines are the national flag carrier for Turkey, and currently offer flights from five UK airports. From spring, passengers will also be able to fly from London Stansted, with 14 direct flights to Istanbul a week and fares from £77 one way. Istanbul is a massive hub for connecting flights, and from here, passengers will be able to fly to a huge variety of destinations across the globe, with destinations as diverse as Mexico City, Sydney, and Tokyo, giving passengers an alternative to flying from Heathrow for longer haul routes.
So large is its network that Turkish Airlines was recognised by Guinness World Records for Most Countries Flown to by an Airline, with around 130 countries and 352 destinations covered by the carrier, 274 of which fly direct from Istanbul. It even beat American Airlines, Delta, and other US-based airlines on number of routes.
Of course, once you land in Istanbul, you could simply stay put and enjoy the lively and colourful capital city itself. From the iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque to the Roman-built Basilica Cistern and the bustling maze of the Grand Bazaar, there’s plenty to explore just outside the airport.
Turkish Airlines also offer a Stopover in Istanbul program, which allows you to spend some time in the city before you head to your final destination, with free accommodation in one of the airline’s partner hotels. The offer is available to passengers flying from the UK to international destinations via İstanbul Airport, with a layover of at least 20 hours and up to seven days. Economy class passengers can get one night free in a four-star hotel, while business class passengers can claim two nights in a five-star or boutique hotel.
With so many connecting flights available, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to destinations. The airline is particularly popular for those looking to explore the Middle East, with direct routes from Istanbul to Abu-Dhabi, Jeddah, and Sharjah, which is close to Dubai, among many others.
It also has a number of routes to Asia, including Guangzhou in China, Kuala Lumpur, and Osaka in Japan. It flies to Singapore, Islamabad, and Indian cities including Mumbai and Delhi. Or you can take your pick from African destinations in the north or south of the continent from Durban to Cairo.
Turkish Airlines has previously won a number of awards for its service. In 2025, it was named number six on the list of the World’s Top 100 Airlines at the World Airline Awards. This put the airline ahead of competitors from across the globe, outranking Air France, Swiss Air, and British Airways, which came in at number 13.
Its London-Stansted to Istanbul route will offer both economy and business class seats, with those upgrading to the higher class enjoying perks such as 30-40KG of checked luggage, a choice of dining options paired with wine, and better legroom.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
