AirAsia and Pegasus launch codeshare increase Istanbul flights
AirAsia and Pegasus Airlines have agreed to their first-ever codeshare partnership, expanding flight frequencies to Istanbul to daily service. The deal aims to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Europe through Turkey’s largest city.
Seamless travel between two networks
The codeshare will allow passengers to book a single ticket and check baggage through to their final destination without handling it during transit in Istanbul. Both airlines said the arrangement was designed to simplify long-haul travel between the regions.
AirAsia Group CEO Bo Lingam called the partnership “a meaningful milestone” in the airline’s 25th year. “By connecting our extensive network across Asia with Pegasus’ strong European network from Istanbul, spanning 160 destinations across 56 countries, we are making Europe more accessible to our guests while creating a gateway for European travellers to discover ASEAN and beyond,” he said.
AirAsia will increase its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul flights from four to seven times weekly by February 2027, offering more flexibility for travelers between the two regions. The airline has also launched special fares to mark the partnership.
More routes, lower fares for travelers
The expanded connectivity benefits travelers in both directions. Europeans can fly through Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur and connect to AirAsia’s Fly-Thru network across ASEAN, Asia, and Australia, including destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, China, and Vietnam.
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Australians gain access to over 100 routes between Asia and Europe, starting with five European cities: Moscow Vnukovo, Ankara Esenboğa, Zurich, and Athens. The Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub serves as the primary connection point for these routes.
Promotional fares begin at AU$276 one-way from Kuala Lumpur to the first five European destinations via Istanbul. Travelers from Perth can connect to Kuala Lumpur for AU$180 one-way, while those from Melbourne can do so for AU$387 one-way.
The partnership reflects a broader trend of low-cost carriers seeking alliances to compete with full-service airlines on long-haul routes. While codeshares are common among legacy carriers, they remain relatively rare in the budget sector, where cost control often takes priority over network expansion. If successful, this agreement could set a precedent for similar deals among other low-cost airlines looking to grow their international reach without adding aircraft.
For now, the focus remains on execution. Both airlines will need to coordinate schedules, baggage handling, and customer service to ensure the promised seamless experience holds up under real-world conditions. If it does, travelers in Southeast Asia and Europe may find themselves with more affordable and convenient options than ever before.
