Istanbul continues to be popular tourist destination, in spite of unexpectedly high costs for many of its restaurants and attractions. Still, it is a history powerhouse, and has some fantastic food. That’s a big part of why we will soon see a new flight added to the metropolis: AirAsia X Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul.
Launching on 14 November of this year, the new AirAsia X Kuala Lumpur Istanbul route will be flown using the airline’s widebody mainstay, the Airbus A330.
Per aeroroutes, the schedule is as follows:
D7 604, Kuala Lumpur KUL 09:35 – Istanbul SAW 16:05
D7 605, Istanbul SAW 17:20 – Kuala Lumpur KUL 08:40
(D7 is AirAsia X’s two-letter IATA designator code, e.g. AA for American Airlines)
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Istanbul — and KL for that matter — its two main airports are quite irritating to get to. Sure, there are airport buses that head to various hotspot neighborhoods, but traffic is usually a beast.
Still, those are often a more sound bet than a taxi (expect to be ripped off), or the metro system. Regarding the latter, the M4 line goes to SAW airport (which is on the Asia/eastern side of town). From the end of the one, one can transfer at Kadıköy to its eponymous ferry terminal, from which there are quick rides to many of the more likely tourist hotel areas. Alternatively, transfer at Ayrılık Çeşmesi to the Marmaray commuter rail towards Sırkecı station…but if you’ve read up to this point, you may have already decided on road-bound transport.
In any event, I’d expect some FOMO-style introductory fares once the AirAsia X Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul flights go on sale. By the way, if you’ve never flown with them before, take snacks; they’re a no-frills carrier. Fortunately, for those heading back to KL, Istanbul SAW has an airport supermarket in the arrivals hall.
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