easyJet launches new direct Istanbul route

easyJet has announced a new direct route to Istanbul from Manchester Airport. The new route marks the first time the low-fare carrier will operate to Istanbul Airport, having previously operated exclusively to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

The new route will operate two flights per week from 9 June 2023, in addition to the existing services from Manchester to Antalya and Dalaman.

“The new route from our Manchester base to the North-West for both flights and package holidays, and promises to offer travellers a vibrant and culturally rich destination to explore, as well as providing greater connectivity to the city to support inbound tourism and business travel alike,” said Ali Gayward, UK Country Manager, easyJet.

“This new service is great news for travellers,” added Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director, Manchester Airport. “easyJet has already announced that it will be basing an additional aircraft here at Manchester this summer, and the expansion of its route network demonstrates the strength of demand for leisure travel in our region, in spite of cost-of-living pressures.”

Arzu Kahraman Yilmaz, Counsellor, The Turkish Culture and Information Office, welcomes the new route from Manchester Airport to Istanbul: “We are confident it will prove popular with those seeking to immerse themselves in culture in this vibrant city.”

easyJet will also continue collecting donations onboard its flights for UNICEF’s emergency appeal for the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, having raised over £400,000 for the cause already.

Speaking about easyJet’s efforts to raise donations for the UNICEF emergency appeal, Gayward said: “We would like to thank all of our customers who have already donated for their kindness and generosity in raising over £400,000, which will help UNICEF and their volunteers to continue providing a vital lifeline in the region for the children and families who have been affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.”