The Malaysian long-haul low-cost carrier has launched four weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul, marking a significant milestone as it rebuilds its international network after the COVID pandemic.
The route, which began operating on 14 November, offers more than 150,000 seats annually and is already proving to be one of the airline’s most in-demand services. According to CEO Benyamin Ismail, the goal is to increase frequencies to daily flights, pending aircraft availability and market performance.
Speaking to Reuters in Istanbul, Ismail said the airline intends to use Istanbul as a strategic bridge between Asia and Europe and when asked about future European expansion, Ismail confirmed “At least one or two cities in one year”.
A Strategic Return to Europe
AirAsia X previously operated flights to destinations such as London and Paris before its operations were heavily impacted by COVID-19, leading to a major corporate restructuring. The Istanbul route represents the airline’s first step back into the Euro-Asia market.
“It’s a huge milestone for us to enter into the Euro-Asia market, and especially in Istanbul,” Ismail said during a press conference on 17 November. “There’s a massive opportunity for more connections to be made via Istanbul, which is already a well-known hub for both Europe and Asia.”
The route is operated out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 using an Airbus A330-300, with a direct flight time of around 11 hours.
Onboard Experience: What Travellers Should Expect
True to its low-cost model, AirAsia X despite its long flights offers a no-frills fare structure. Travellers receive 7kg of carry-on luggage included in the ticket price. Everything else such as checked baggage, meals, snacks, drinks (including water), and seat selection must be purchased separately.
The seat pitch is a tight 30–31 inches unless you pay extra for a seat with additional legroom, which offers up to 33 inches. The real clincher, however, is the seat width of just 16.5 inches. Like Cebu Pacific with its A330s, AirAsia X has added a ninth seat to each row, creating a 3-3-3 layout rather than the 2-4-2 configuration the aircraft was originally designed for. The seats do recline, but only by three inches, which—given the limited space—many passengers may actually find preferable.
So, while the cabin is, quite frankly, uncomfortable compared to full-service long-haul carriers, AirAsia X offers highly competitive fares. In many cases, tickets can be half the price of those on full-service airlines, making long-distance travel far more accessible, particularly for cost-conscious travellers flying between Europe and Asia.
For travellers seeking a more comfortable long-haul experience, AirAsia X also offers its Premium Flatbed product.
A reclining chair transforms into a fully flat bed and comes with a full-size pillow, and a duvet. Premium Flatbed passengers also enjoy 40kg of checked baggage, priority baggage and boarding. Meals and drinks are complimentary. To top it off, Premium Flatbed travellers enjoy complimentary access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at the departure airport for up to three hours.
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