The arrival of Turkish Airlines, which serves around 130 countries from its hub at Istanbul, brings a new and unrivalled choice to customers of London Stansted Airport.

Twice-daily flights from London Stansted speed passengers to the super-efficient IGA Istanbul Airport (IST), which last year handled almost 85 million passengers. Just under four hours after leaving Stansted, passengers arrive in Istanbul, where seamless transfers soon see them heading off to some of the 370-plus destinations served by Turkish Airlines.

Istanbul’s geographical location means it’s an ideal location for a hub airport and an excellent gateway from the UK if your clients are heading to Asia, Africa or Australia. The list of countries which Turkish Airlines serves includes many long-haul destinations popular with the UK market: Australia, the Maldives, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, India, Seychelles, South Africa and Mauritius being just some examples. If it’s on the map, the chances are Turkish Airlines flies there.

Flying from London Stansted

Departure times from Stansted allow for connections in Istanbul that leave at lunchtime or late in the evening; the latter meaning travellers switch to their long-haul flight ready to rest and often with a morning arrival at their final destination. Stansted offers a direct train link from London Liverpool Street station as well as numerous coach services and buses direct to the terminal. Passengers can book fast track passport and security clearance as well as passes for the Essence Lounge at Satellite 1, from which Turkish Airlines departs.

The in-flight experience

Turkish Airlines is a full-service carrier, so your clients can expect high quality meals and a beverage service included in the fare on all legs of the journey. Attention to detail and innovations are such that Turkish Airlines was chosen as Skytrax Best Airline in Europe for the 10th consecutive time in 2025.

The aircraft on UK-Turkey flights are generally single-aisle Airbus or Boeing aircraft, but unlike those of other carriers, they are fitted with personal inflight entertainment systems throughout the cabin.

There is also a Business Class section, which on single aisle aircraft is in a spacious 2-2 layout and includes a generous luggage allowance, award-winning catering and access to Lounge Business at IST. Passengers also receive a 1GB internet quota and unlimited messaging.

At IST, travellers will transfer to one of Turkish Airlines’ long-haul fleet. The airline has more than 500 aircraft with an average age of 9.8 years and its fleet includes the most up to date wide-body Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Both aircraft provide increased cabin humidity and oxygen levels, which greatly help wellbeing and reduce jetlag. Newest aircraft feature fully flat-bed Business Class seating.

Arriving at Istanbul

Istanbul was named the World’s Best Airport by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler last year, as well as in 2024 and 2022 – quite an achievement for a hub that only opened in 2019. Passengers can expect state-of-the-art technology but also facilities geared at older travellers, families and those with special needs. IST even boasts its own museum featuring more than 300 exhibits.

Free stopover option

Passengers whose layover in Istanbul is 20 hours or more receive a free stopover in one of the region’s most vibrant and fascinating cities. Economy class passengers receive one night’s accommodation with breakfast in a four-star property, and Business Class passengers benefit from two nights in a five-star or boutique hotel.

For those with a layover of six hours or more, Touristanbul is a complimentary service for Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfer flights. There are six itineraries leaving at various times, with 19 tour routes each week. Tours start and end at Istanbul airport and all include a tour guide, meals, transportation and museum entrance fees. Tours can be as short as three and a half hours but also include half, full day and evening itineraries.

A compelling travel proposition for your clients

Flying via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines means your customers benefit from the ease of departing from Stansted, travelling on one of the world’s best airlines and arriving at Istanbul, the world’s newest major hub airport, before a seamless transfer or free leisurely stopover. It’s an enticing offer for you and your clients.