AirAsia X: hello to Istanbul and bye-bye to Nairobi
AirAsia X is making a long-awaited return to Europe. The airline, which stopped flying to Europe in 2012, is announcing the launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The first flight is planned on November 14, 2025.
The new route will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using the Airbus A330-300. It marks the carrier’s first European service since it discontinued flights to London and Paris 13 years ago. The move reflects a broader strategy to expand its long-haul network and tap into a market looking for affordable travel between Southeast Asia and Europe.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport, located on Istanbul’s Asian side, offers over 117 international and 40 domestic connections. It will be an ideal hub in Europe for onward travel. Passengers from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and other AirAsia markets will be able to connect easily via Kuala Lumpur.
Extreme low fares for a start
To celebrate the launch, AirAsia X is offering introductory fares starting from RM 499 (about USD 110) one-way for economy class from Malaysia. Premium Flatbed seats are available from RM 3,999 (about USD 945). Tickets are on sale now until 20 August 2025, with a travel window from 14 November 2025 until late 2026, depending on the fare type.
CEO Benyamin Ismail described the route as a “game-changer” for the airline’s network. He is noting that Istanbul’s geographic location bridges Asia and Europe while offering vibrant cultural and tourism appeal. The launch comes amid rising interest from Southeast Asian travelers to visit Turkey. The country offers free visa on arrival to many ASEAN countries. From Europe, there is also a growing interest to visit Malaysia.
However, while the airline prepares to celebrate its return to Europe, it is also keeping silent on its departure from the Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi route. Launched in 2024, Kuala Lumpur-Nairobi never turned a profit as it faced low demand. Consequently, AirAsia X will exit its unique sub-saharian African route by pulling out from Nairobi in September…
TravelMole Editorial Team
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