easyJet is trying a new destination for Summer 2023, with the airline planning to operate a Manchester to Istanbul service.
easyJet Airbus A320neo taxing at Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
This will be the first time the airline will operate to the Istanbul Airport in Turkey’s largest city, which becomes the 156th destination on easyJet’s network.
Services will commence on 9th June, with flights that will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays, providing a direct connection for customers from the North-West to Istanbul. This will complement the existing services from Manchester to Antalya and Dalaman.
Istanbul joins other destinations Bodrum, Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir on easyJet’s Turkey network.
Seats are on sale now at easyJet.com and via the mobile app, with lead-in fares from £51.99. This can be combined with hotel offerings from easyJet holidays, which allows you to configure your own package holiday.
In Quotes
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:
“We are delighted to be adding the brand new destination of Istanbul to easyJet’s network. The new route from our Manchester base to this iconic city further expands the choice we can offer our customers from the North-West for both flights and package holidays, and promises to offer travellers a vibrant and culturally rich destination to explore, as well as providing greater connectivity to the city to support inbound tourism and business travel alike.
“While this region has thankfully not been affected by the recent tragic earthquakes, we continue to collect donations onboard our flights for UNICEF’s emergency appeal. We would like to thank all of our customers who have already donated for their kindness and generosity in raising over £400,000, which will help UNICEF and their volunteers to continue providing a vital lifeline in the region for the children and families who have been affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, added:
“This new service is great news for travellers. easyJet has already announced that it will be basing an additional aircraft here at Manchester this summer, and the expansion of its route network demonstrates the strength of demand for leisure travel in our region, in spite of cost-of-living pressures.”
Arzu Kahraman Yilmaz, Counsellor of The Turkish Culture and Information Office, said:
“Istanbul has long been a popular destination with British visitors, and we very much welcome easyJet’s new route from Manchester. We are confident it will prove popular with those seeking to immerse themselves in culture in this vibrant city”
Comlimpenting and competing
For easyJet, it could be a very simple matter of slotting in an aircraft to provide extra connectivity for its passengers. Whilst the airline is only flying two rotations a week, they allow for a working week or a weekend break to be fitted around the flight operating days.
However, there is competition to Istanbul, with flag carrier Turkish Airlines, as well as low-cost competitor Pegasus operating services to the area.
It will be interesting to see if easyJet gains enough traction to bring the fight onwards and adds further frequencies to Istanbul in the future.
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