A NEW route to a city that straddles both Europe and Asia is coming to a major UK airport.
From March 18, Turkish Airlines will be launching a new route between London Stansted Airport and Istanbul.
It marks the first flights for the carrier from the UK airport.
There will be up to 15 flights a week to the Turkish capital.
Istanbul is just four hours from the UK and was named the world’s best airport by the World’s Top 10 International Airports survey earlier this year.
The city features cobbled streets and the famous Blue Mosque, which was created in 1609.
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It is free to enter and is known for its blue tiles and six minarets.
If you like shopping head to the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
Inside visitors will find locally crafted carpets, lanterns and even sweets.
One recent visitor said: “The Grand Bazaar is huge, colorful, and full of energy.
“Walking through the endless lanes feels like stepping back in time, with shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs everywhere.
“The mix of history and daily life makes the bazaar unforgettable.”
Hotels in Istanbul can cost as little as £20 per night.
Or you could stay at the more premium DoubleTree by Hilton for £72 a night.
Back in July, Gareth Powell, managing director at London Stansted, said: “This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.
“Istanbul is a fantastic destination in its own right, but this new service also opens the door to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network, connecting London Stansted to over 353 destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia and beyond.”
Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines’ general manager for London, said: “This new service increases our total weekly UK–Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.
“By operating from Stansted, we are happy to support the airport’s continued growth and contribute to job creation and economic development in the region.”
In addition to the new Stansted-Istanbul route, a number of other routes will be launching at Stansted this year.
Ryanair will be adding flights to Malmo in Sweden from April 1, which will operate twice a week.
The airline will also be adding more flights to Glasgow from March 29.
Budget airline easyJet will start flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle on March 5.
And then AJet will launch flights to Bodrum, Turkey, from June 26.
Jet2.com will also be expanding its summer programme, with new routes to Jerez, Spain from May 1, Samos in Greece from May 7 and La Palma in the Canary Islands from October 26.
Finally, TUI will be introducing flights to Kos from May 7 and BA CityFlyer will launch flights to Olbia, Sardinia, from May 23.
Ciaran Brannigan, commercial director at London Stansted, said: “We’re delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience.
“London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike.”
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