Turkish Airlines will begin flights from London Stansted Airport on 18 March 2026, adding another key UK hub to its fast-growing network.
The move brings the total number of UK airports served by the carrier to six, joining London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh — and strengthening one of Europe’s most important air corridors.
14 Weekly Flights to the World’s Most Connected Hub
Passengers flying from Stansted will enjoy 14 weekly flights to Istanbul, home to Turkish Airlines’ global hub — Istanbul Airport — which currently ranks as the world’s most connected.
From Istanbul, travelers gain access to more than 350 destinations across six continents, including major cities in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
“We are delighted to launch flights from London Stansted, further strengthening our commitment to the UK market,” said Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines’ general manager for London.
Growing Presence Across the UK and Ireland
Turkish Airlines’ UK and Ireland presence continues to grow rapidly. With the inclusion of Stansted and the airline’s expanded summer schedule, the carrier will operate 170 weekly flights across the region.
Here’s a snapshot of current peak season frequencies to Istanbul:
London Heathrow – 47 flights per week
London Gatwick – 28
Manchester – 28
Birmingham – 18
Edinburgh – 14
Dublin – 21
The Stansted addition further enhances options for leisure and business travelers across East Anglia, Essex, and north London — offering them direct access to Istanbul and one-stop service to destinations like Tokyo, Cape Town, Bangkok, Sydney, and more.
A Gateway for Global Travelers
The new route is not just a win for Turkish Airlines, but also for London Stansted Airport, which continues to attract major international carriers.
“This is a major milestone for the airport,” said Gareth Powell, Stansted’s Managing Director.
“Istanbul is a fantastic destination, but the real value lies in the global access this route opens up for our region.”
More Flights, More Jobs, More Opportunities
As Turkish Airlines adds capacity, it also fuels local job creation, economic activity, and increased tourism between the UK and Türkiye. The new route is expected to support both regional development and long-haul connectivity, particularly as demand for travel across Asia and the Middle East continues to climb.
Mark Your Calendar
Launch Date: 18 March 2026
Route: London Stansted (STN) ↔ Istanbul Airport (IST)
Frequency: 14 flights per week
Aircraft & schedule details to be announced closer to launch
