TourIstanbul city tours while in transit

Turkish Airlines flies to many destinations around the world using its Istanbul Ataturk Airport base as a hub. And if you are flying with Turkish Airlines, the airline offers free city tours while in transit provided by TourIstanbul. So instead of spending a long wait in the airport, Turkish Airlines passangers can discovery Istanbul, one of the world’s premier destinations.

The tours, with English speaking guides, are offered three times daily and are designed to give transit passengers a quick, but interesting overview of Turkish Airlines’ home base. Depending on each passenger’s schedule, tours are offered with the following timings 09:00-15:00, 09:00-18:00 and 12:00-18:00.

TourIstanbul is a free layover service for all international transit Turkish Airlines passangers. Everything on the tour, the shuttle, museum entrances and the meals, are free. In the tour, TourIstanbul introduces Ottoman Cuisine to the participants. Even a single person’s participation is enough to start up the tour so there is no minimum number to wait.

Not all transit passangers of Istanbul Ataturk Airport can enjoy the tour. Both flights should be with Turkish Airlines’ flight numbers (codeshared or operated) Connection times between flights  should not be longer than 24 hours and shorter than 6  hours.

Begun in 2009, the program continues to attract more participants each year, with approximately 16,000 taking advantage of the offer in 2013. The growing popularity of the tours is a confirmation that Turkish Airlines brings added value for its customers at no additional cost.

Istanbul Blue Mosque

How to participate Istanbul City Tours by Turkish Airlines?

You do not need to book it in advance. All eligible passangers of Turkish Airlines can simply join the tours by showing up at the hotel desk in the arrivals hall of Ataturk International Airport at least 30 minutes prior to the departure of the tour.

Below is the list of places visited during the tour:

Blue Mosque
Hippodrome
German Fountain
Serpentine Column
Obelisk of Thedosius
Topkapı Palace
Basilica Cistern
For more information on the tours you can visit http://www.istanbulinhours.com. You can visit our Istanbul tours pages for more Istanbul sightseeing tours.

Turkish Airlines will fly to Kuala Lumpur daily

Turkish Airlines operates 4x weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia currently. And starting from May 2014, the airline will fly to Kuala Lumpur daily from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport. Increased frequency comes after increased demand for flights between Turkey and Malaysia according to Firat Yildirim, general manager of Turkish Airlines for Malaysia.

In 2014, Turkish Airlines flew in 10,000 passengers from Turkey to Malaysia. The airline anticipates this demand to reach 20,000 passengers this year. Other than Turkish Airlines Malaysia Airlines also flies between Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur.

“For Visit Malaysia Year 2014, we are going to have more passengers, travellers, tourists and businessmen coming in on Turkish Airlines from Turkey through our vast network to support Kuala Lumpur’s tourism initiative,” Yildirim said. Given the airline’s track record in Europe and North America as well as the Middle east and African continent, he said the airlines anticipates greater growth in passengers traffic and “is confident it can gain market share here.”[1]

Turkish Airlines has just started to fly to Kuala Lumpur in 28 April 2013. The flights started 3 times weekly and increased to 4 times weekly in 17 June 2013. In fact, Turkish Airlines was flying from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur 10 years ago but stopped flights in 2003.[2]



Above video shows the arrival of its inaugural return flight to KLIA by flight No: TK060 landed at 4.50pm on April 26th 2013 and welcomed by the water cannon salute.
Increase in flights to Kuala Lumpur from Istanbul adds more flights for many destinations outside Turkey. Turkish Airlines uses Istanbul as a hub and feeds it with flights from 245 destinations in 105 countries around the world (94 destinations in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries, 36 destinations in Africa, 33 in the Middle East, 31 in the Far East, six in North America and two in South America and eight in Russia).
[1] - Turkish Airlines to fly daily to KL by May 2014 [2] - Türk Havayolları İstanbul’dan Kuala Lumpur’a uçuyor

Turkish Airlines will open its Istanbul Arrival Lounge for Business Class passengers

Turkish Airlines opened its new "Istanbul Arrival Lounge" in a ceremony, designed to provide a space where inbound guests may refresh themselves before exiting the Istanbul Ataturk Airport. This is the most recent innovation directed at making Business Class travel on Turkish Airlines a uniquely pleasurable experience.

The Lounge offers passengers shower facilities, areas for changing clothes and staff dedicated to ironing clothing items if desired. There are also delicious treats prepared by Turkish DO & CO—all designed to ready passengers for the tasks that await them upon leaving the airport. This service is especially valuable to guests arriving in the early morning when hotel rooms are generally not yet available for check-in.
Also available are daily local and foreign newspapers and magazines, a full wireless internet connection, media walls and charging points for passengers’ electronic devices.

The lounge will be open every day to receive arriving passengers from 05:00 - 12:30 (local time) and will be closed each day at 13:00 (local time).

Only Business Class passengers and Economy or Comfort Class passengers having Elite Plus membership will be able to use the lounge on arrival in Istanbul following their international flights. Star Gold members and other Miles & Smiles members--except Elite Plus members - will not be eligible to use the Lounge. Additionally, eligible passengers will not be permitted to bring guests.

Turkish Airlines Istanbul Arrival Lounge at Ataturk Airport

Turkish Airlines is Best Airline in Europe in Southern Europe and has Best Business Class Catering in 2013

Turkish Airlines has been chosen "Best Airline in Europe", “Best Airline in Southern Europe” and awarded "Best Business Class Catering” in 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards

As a world recognized brand associated with air travel excellence in 21st century by providing unique products to the world airline and airport industry through professional Audit and Service Benchmarking programmes of airlines, airline alliances, airports and related air transport product and service suppliers across the globe, Skytrax had become the world leader in ranking aviation offers. Assessing over 238 airlines and 148 airports based on passenger input, Skytrax publishes and ranks aviation providers based on these submissions. And again this year, Turkish Airlines scored a resounding success at the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with air travellers voting the airline as the "Best Airline in Europe", the third year running.

By adding 'Flying Chef' service for Business Class passengers on its long flights, Turkish Airlines has been also named as the winner in the category, "Best Business Class Catering”.

The results of the 2013 World Airline Awards were announced today at the Paris Air Show. "Best Airline in Europe", “Best Airline in Southern Europe” and "Best Business Class Catering” awards were presented to Turkish Airlines' CEO, Temel Kotil Ph.D. by CEO of Skytrax, Edward Plaisted. The survey operated over a 10-month period, and more than 100 nationalities from over 160 countries around the world participated in the survey.

Six years ago, in 2007, Turkish Airlines, was first ranked as a four star airline by Skytrax. While keeping its 4-star airline title again in 2008, Turkish Airlines joined Star Alliance and was also named “The Best Airline in Southern Europe”.

A Turkish Airlines Airbus A 330.

Maintaining the same momentum in 2010, Turkish Airlines continued to be the "Best Airline in Southern Europe" and “Best Catering in Economy Class” with the inflight service provided by Turkish Do&Co. The airline also took 3rd place of the best airline companies in Europe.

In 2011, Turkish Airlines was chosen as the winner of the 3 categories by Skytrax; “Best Airline in Europe”, “Best Premium Economy Seats” for its Comfort Class seats and “Best Airline in Southern Europe” at the 2011 World Airline Awards.

Turkish Airlines scored the same success at the 2012 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with its passengers voting the airline as the "Best Airline in Europe" the second year running. It was also named by Skytrax as the winner in 3 categories, "Best Airline in Southern Europe" and "Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seat" for its Comfort Class seats.

Turkish Airlines continues to consolidate its position as one of the world's leading airlines by investments made in recent years, the awards received, impressive growth figures, large-scale aircraft orders and continuously expanding route network. They all demonstrate its continued popularity amongst airline passengers.

Flights to Constanta from Istanbul by Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has started flights to Constanta from Istanbul on 7 June 2013. The airline, which is already flying to Bucharest in Romania, will operate Istanbul- Costanta flights 3 times per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Constanta starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees). Additionally, for the first 6 months of operation to our new destinations, there is a special offer for our Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.

Located in the Dobrogea region of Romania, Constanta is the biggest port city of Black Sea, Constanta has an approximately 120,000 year history, dating from the Paleolithic era and making it the oldest settlement in the region. While tourists are attracted by its mineral springs and sea bathing, Constanta has a typical Mediterranean climate and still experiences all four seasons.

Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to Constanta will depart from Istanbul on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 13:05 and arrive to Constanta at 14:15. Flights from Constanta to Istanbul will depart from Constanta on same days at 15:15 and arrive to Istanbul at 16:25. 

Flights to Marseille from Istanbul by Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines has started direct flights from Istanbul to Marseille on 4 June 2013 as 5th destination in France. The award winning airline and flag carrier of Turkey is already flying to Paris, Lyon, Nice and Toulouse. Flights between Istanbul and the second largest city of France, Marseilles will be operated 4 times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

Turkish Airlines introductory round trip faresare available from Istanbul to Marseille starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees). Additionally, for the first 6 months in our new destinations, there is a special offer for our Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.

Located on the Mediterranean coast of France, Marseille holds the title of the oldest city in Europe with two thousand six hundred years of history and also ranks as the being largest commercial port on the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of more than one million, including a wide variety of ethnic groups, Marseille has a metropolitan air and features characteristics similar to Istanbul, such as multiculturalism.

Sunlight is the most significant asset of Marseille. The natural light which comes with a Mistral breeze is unique to the Provence region and also has been a source of inspiration for many well-known painters such as Cezanne, Braque, Dufy, Derain and Marquet.

Turkish Airlines added direct flights from Istanbul to Marseille.

The ‘Château d'If’, which gained fame through Alexandre Dumas’ novel, ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, has one of the most beautiful views of the city. With an exquiste view of the harbor surrounded by mountains, Marseille is a historical and cultural mosaic nestled amid lavender fields, where the old and the new coexist…

Flights from Istanbul to Marseille, TK1365, will depart from Istanbul on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday at 11:25 AM and will arrive to Marseille on the same day at 13:45 PM. Return flights from Marseille , TK1366, will depart from Merseille at 14:35 on the same day and arrive to Istanbul at 18:35 PM.

Marseille flight times as scheduled from June 4th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1365	Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Istanbul	11:25	Marseille	13:45
TK1366	Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday	Marseille	14:35	İstanbul	18:35

Turkish Airlines sign a codeshare agreement with Air Astana and Air New Zealand

Turkish Airlines has signed codeshare agreement with Kazakhstan's Air Astana on routes between Kazakhstan and Turkey and Air New Zealand connecting New Zealand and Turkey each other via Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Air Astana and Turkish Airlines signed the Letter of Intent to expand the range of cooperation between the two carriers in March 2013. The codeshare agreement allows passengers to benefit from a higher number of combined frequencies for better connectivity and increased travel flexibility between the two countries. Codesharing on flights between Almaty – Istanbul and Astana – Istanbul additionally include special prorate agreements on sectors beyond respective hubs in Almaty, Astana and Istanbul offering an expanded network to passengers.

«Under the strong and visionary leadership of  its management and thanks to the , dedicated efforts of its employees, Turkish Airlines has become a globally recognized network carrier serving more countries globally than any other carrier and achieved the Skytrax rating as «Best airline in Europe» for the past two years consecutively. The codeshare agreement signed today is the latest step in the increasingly close link between the two airlines; both of which show equal ambition to continue to progress well above average world ratings and fully committed to delivering excellence in customer service,» said Peter Foster, President of Air Astana.

«We are extremely pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with Air Astana and aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to passengers through the extensive networks of both airlines. Air Astana continues expanding successfully, offering superior customer service, with a very young fleet. We believe the partnership with Air Astana will bring enormous benefit to both airlines, not only from a commercial perspective in rapidly growing Kazakhstan, but also in technical and training areas,» said Dr. Temel Kotil, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines.

Two esteemed Star Alliance members, Turkish Airlines and Air New Zealand, have decided to take their prospering commercial relations one step further. The codeshare agreement allows the passengers to benefit from the networks of both airlines to travel between Turkey and New Zealand with ideal connectivity and increased travel flexibility. Besides, codeshared flights via Istanbul and Auckland, will offer passengers of both airlines to reach domestic points of each country and also passengers of Turkish Airlines will be able to travel to Australia via Air New Zealand’s network.

A Turkish Airlines A340-300 with Star Alliance livery at the Beijing Airport.

“This code share agreement provides Air New Zealand customers with a convenient gateway to a range of Mediterranean destinations for both business and leisure, as well as encouraging Turkish Airlines’ customers to visit the key attractions of New Zealand and Australia,” said Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer.

“Today, we are glad to share our enthusiasm with the precious members of press about concluding the codeshare agreement with Air New Zealand, a recognized member of Star Alliance. Under favor of this agreement, which connects the people of two different cultures, passengers of both airlines will be offered to travel to Turkey, New Zealand and Australia via the two most strategic gateways, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Furthermore, with this codeshare agreement passengers will be able to travel beyond points of Auckland in Australia. As Turkish Airlines, we are happy to offer New Zealand’s substantial points as new codeshare destinations.” said Temel Kotil, PhD, President and CEO of Turkish Airlines.

Flights to Tallinn and Vilnius by Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines added its 232nd and 233rd destinations as Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania). Flights between Istanbul, Tallinn and Vilnus will be operated 3 times per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to Tallinn, TK 1355, will depart from Istanbul on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 11:00 AM and arrive Tallinn same day at 14:20 PM. Flights from Tallinn to Vilnius will depart from Tallinn at 15:20 PM and arrive Vilnius at 16:45 PM same day. Return flights from Vilnius to Istanbul will depart at 17:45 PM and arrive to Istanbul at 20:10 PM.

Tallinn; the magic of Middle ages in modern era…
Situated on the northern coast of the country, Tallinn is ranked as a global city and has been listed among the top 10 digital cities in the world. The city was declared as European Capital of Culture for 2011, along with Turku in Finland, while its ‘Old Town’ is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While being the oldest capital city in Northern Europe, Tallinn’s main attractions are in the two old towns (Lower Town and Toompea) which are both easily explored on foot. Eastern districts around Pirita and Kadriorg are also worth visiting and the Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare preserves aspects of Estonian rural culture and architecture.

Turkish Airlines introduced flights from Istanbul to Tallimm and Vilnius by June 2013.

Vilnius; a historical point of attraction in Europe…
Located in the southeast of Lithuania, Vilnius is the second biggest city of the Baltic states after Riga, and known for the beautiful architecture of its Old Town, which was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. In 2009, Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture, together with Linz, Austria.

Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture. Vilnius Old Town, the historical centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe and the most valuable historic and cultural sites are concentrated here.

Turkish Airlines new destinations in May 2013

Turkish Airlines, Europe's best airline according to Skytrax rating, has added its 223rd network destination in May 2013 with the addition of flights to Friedrichshafen, Germany. With existing services to 11 cities in Germany, Turkish Airlines expanded its network with the addition of Friedrichshafen as its 12th German destination. Flights from Istanbul to Friedrichshafen have started on May 2nd are operated 4 days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The airline than added 5 more destinations to its network by flights to Isparta (Turkey), Santiago De Compostela (Spain), Valetta (Malta) and Salzburg (Austria) following the May 2nd addition of Friedrichshafen to its growing network.

Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Isparta (Turkey) has started on May 20th and are operated 3 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Isparta (Turkey) starting at 158 TL (including taxes and fees).

With existing services to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao, Turkish Airlines adds flights to Santiago De Compostela as its 6th destination in Spain. Beginning May 21st, Santiago De Compostela flights are operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Santiago De Compostela starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines’ 226th destination in 100 country, Malta flights began in 25th May 2013. Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Malta are operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Malta starting from 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

With existing services to Vienna, Turkish Airlines now adds flights to Salzburg as its 2nd destination in Austria. Beginning May 28th, roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Salzburg are operated 4 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Salzburg starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Friedrichshafen flight times as planned by May 2nd;

Flight No	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1385	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday	IST	14:05	FDH	16:05
TK1386	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday	FDH	16:55	IST	20:50

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Isparta flight times as planned by May 20th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK2860	Monday, Friday	Istanbul	13:25	Isparta	14:35
TK2860	Wednesday	Istanbul	10:55	Isparta	12:05
TK2861	Monday, Friday	Isparta	15:20	Istanbul	16:25
TK2861	Wednesday	Isparta	12:50	Istanbul	13:55

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Santiago De Compostela flight times as planned by May 21th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1319	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday	Istanbul	09:00	Santiago De Compostela	12:45
TK1320	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday	Santiago De Compostela	13:50	Istanbul	19:15

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Malta flight times as planned by May 25th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1369	Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday	Istanbul	12:35	Malta	14:20
TK1370	Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday	Malta	15:15	Istanbul	18:35

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Salzburg flight times as planned by May 28th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1381	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	Istanbul	12:15	Salzburg	13:45
TK1382	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	Salzburg	14:45	Istanbul	18:05

Direct Flights Between Houston and Istanbul by Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is expanding its presence in the United States as it launches of its newest gateway in Houston, Texas. Houston becomes the fifth U.S. gateway, joining Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The airline will offer non-stop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST).

"We're delighted that Turkish Airlines can now serve the Houston community and better connect them with our services to 220 destinations globally via Istanbul," says Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Airlines' Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee. "Houston is a key point in the international aviation. We believe that these new flights will make international travel easier and more convenient for both business and leisure travelers in the area."

Members of the media, along with Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, the Consul General of Turkey in Houston Cemalettin Aydin, President of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), Ilker Ayci, and Houston Airport System Director of Aviation Mario Diaz, attended the launch event at Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before Turkish Airlines' inaugural flight. The event featured authentic Turkish cuisine, live entertainment, a ribbon cutting ceremony and speaker remarks by top officials from local government, the Turkish government, Turkish Airlines, and the Houston Airport System.

"The direct flights to Istanbul will strengthen trade, investment and tourism ties for Houston in Turkey," said Mayor Annise Parker. "I will lead a trade mission later this month to Istanbul to capitalize on the new air service and develop more economic relationships that will build a stronger bond between our global markets."

For the first time ever, Houstonites will be able to experience firsthand Turkish Airlines' unparalleled service, award-winning gourmet cuisine and amenities on the Boeing-777 aircraft en route to Istanbul. Houston service of Turkish Airlines will start with four frequencies per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning from July 3, 2013, the weekly frequencies of the mentioned flights will increase to six : Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"This new route positions Texas with a new strategic advantage for international commerce since more than 300 Houston companies have business or trade ties with Turkey," said Mario C. Diaz, Director of the Houston Airport System. "In addition, Turkish Airlines offers outstanding connections from Istanbul, where a connecting passenger will have only three hours flying time to 50 different countries."

Houston and Istanbul by Turkish Airlines will be served by Boeing 777 aircraft.

Thirty-nine million passengers flew with Turkish Airlines in 2012 and that number is expected to grow by nine million this year, resulting in a 20% increase compared to 2011. With Houston being the fourth largest city in the United States in terms of population and home to thousands of Turkish residents it was a natural choice for the airlines' next gateway. Houston is comprised of many different ethnic communities, many whom travel frequently to their homelands. Trade missions between Texas and Turkey have dramatically increased over the past few years and with the introduction of Turkish Airlines in the Houston market, investment opportunities will multiply.

Introductory fares from Houston to Istanbul start at $599. 

Turkish Airlines is flying between Istanbul and Maldives

Now you can have one more option to fly to Maldives. Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier airline of Turkey, has launched flights between Istanbul Turkey and Male Maldives starting from November 24th 2012. Flights to the Maldives will be operated 5 times weekly. The airline has priced introductory round trip fares from Istanbul to the Maldives from 598 Euros, including taxes and fees.

Maldives, one of the world's most popular destinations for leisure travelers, is the 206th destination and 92th country to which Turkish Airlines fly. Fast growing, Turkish Airlines has reached its goal of getting its 200th aircraft, a Boeing 737-900, in its fleet last week. The airline, compared with the same period in 2011, increased its sales revenue  by 30% to 11,2 Billion TRY and recorded an operating profit of 1,08 Billion TRY.  Net profit increased 655% compared to the previous period; to 868 Million TRY.

Flight Number	Start	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK 730	24.Nov.2012	Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday	Istanbul	20:25	Maldives	07:10
TK 731	25.Nov.2012	Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday	Maldives	09:00	Istanbul	14:30

Tourism paradise Maldives are nearer to Turkey as Turkish Airlines start to fly from Turkey (Istanbul)
to Maldives (Male).