Two iconic cities—one steeped in Hanseatic heritage, the other straddling continents—will be directly connected for the first time, as LOT Polish Airlines unveils a new route between Gdańsk and Istanbul, launching 14 January 2026.
The four-times-weekly service strengthens the bond between northern Poland and Türkiye’s cultural and commercial capital, offering business travelers, tourists, and global citizens a fast, elegant way to bridge the Baltic and the Bosphorus.
“We are connecting two vibrant hubs—Gdańsk, the gateway to Pomerania, and Istanbul, a city that unites Europe and Asia,” said Dorota Dmuchowska, COO and board member at LOT Polish Airlines. “This route creates new opportunities for investors, tourists, and entrepreneurs, and builds a lasting bridge between LOT and Gdańsk Airport.”
A Strategic Gateway to East and West
LOT’s new service departs Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport at 16:35 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights from Istanbul at 22:10 local time. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, making it a quick and efficient link between two cities renowned for their dynamic energy and layered histories.
“This is more than a new route—it’s a strategic achievement,” said Tomasz Kloskowski, President of Gdańsk Airport. “Thanks to this connection and LOT’s partnership with Turkish Airlines, our passengers now gain seamless access to Istanbul’s extensive global network.”
With Istanbul Airport serving as the world’s seventh-largest transfer hub, this new route positions Gdańsk as a launchpad not only to Türkiye but also to destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Istanbul: Where Continents and Cultures Collide
From the Grand Bazaar’s centuries-old corridors to the panoramic Bosphorus cruises, Istanbul remains one of the most captivating destinations on Earth. The city’s fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman legacies with modern cosmopolitanism makes it ideal for both weekend explorers and cross-border professionals.
For travelers from Poland’s north, this new flight removes the detour—offering direct access to a city of 16 million, where every neighborhood tells a different story, and every skyline view inspires awe.
Flight Schedule at a Glance
| Route | Departure from Gdańsk | Return from Istanbul | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDN → IST | 16:35 local time | 22:10 local time | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
More Than a Route: A Regional Milestone
This new launch also underscores LOT’s larger strategic focus: strengthening Poland’s regional airports and building international connectivity beyond Warsaw and Kraków.
“I believe this route will be warmly received by the residents of northern Poland,” said Dmuchowska. “It reflects not only market demand but our long-term commitment to the region’s growth.”
“We owe this success to years of cooperation between Poland and Türkiye,” added Kloskowski. “It’s a proud moment for our team—and for Gdańsk’s place on the global aviation map.”
With Istanbul already proving popular among LOT passengers from Warsaw and Kraków, the addition of Gdańsk marks the next logical step in the airline’s regional evolution.
LOT’s Broader Vision for Regional Growth
As part of its expanding global network, LOT Polish Airlines is prioritizing not just route expansion, but accessibility, efficiency, and international opportunity for cities outside the capital. This Gdańsk–Istanbul service represents a leap forward for the airline’s mission—and for Polish travelers seeking global connections.
Whether it’s a merchant catching a trade fair, a couple planning a romantic weekend by the Golden Horn, or a digital nomad chasing sun and spice, this route turns possibility into proximity.
From the amber shores of the Baltic to the domes of the Bosphorus, LOT’s new Gdańsk–Istanbul route brings two great civilizations—and countless personal journeys—closer than ever before.
