Filipinos Can Now Fly To Europe Via Istanbul

Planning a trip to Europe from the Philippines? Travellers now have another route to consider, with a new connection allowing Filipinos to travel to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur before continuing to other destinations across Europe.

The route gives Filipino travellers another way to plan a European holiday, whether Istanbul is part of the itinerary or simply a connecting point.

The journey starts with a flight from the Philippines to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a connecting flight to Istanbul. The connection is supported by a partnership between AirAsia and Pegasus Airlines.

From Istanbul, travellers can continue to other destinations across Europe, including London, Zurich and Athens, among others. This means Istanbul could be included as part of a wider Europe itinerary rather than simply being the final stop.

Travellers flying from Manila currently have 12 flights weekly to Kuala Lumpur, while those flying from Cebu have three flights weekly. This gives travellers from both major Philippine gateways another option when planning an international trip.

The Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul service is also scheduled to increase from four to seven flights weekly by February 2027, giving travellers more flexibility when choosing their travel dates.

Is this route worth considering?

For travellers planning a Europe holiday, this route could be worth checking if you want to visit Istanbul, are travelling from Cebu, or simply want another option when comparing flights to Europe.

For example, travellers could spend a few days exploring Istanbul before continuing to another European city. Others may prefer to use Istanbul mainly as a connecting point, depending on their final destination and available flight schedules.

However, travellers should look beyond the initial ticket price when comparing routes. Check the total fare, baggage allowance, flight schedules and connection time for the complete journey. A cheaper ticket may not necessarily be the most convenient option if it involves a long layover or additional baggage costs.

It is also important to check whether the flights are booked under one itinerary and how baggage is handled during the connection. Depending on the booking and itinerary, travellers may have different requirements when transferring between flights.

Before booking, check the latest flight schedules, fares, passport requirements and transit or entry rules that apply to your specific journey. These details can change depending on your destination, nationality and travel dates.

For Filipinos dreaming of a European holiday, Istanbul is now another gateway worth considering. With connections available from Manila and Cebu through Kuala Lumpur, travellers have another route to compare when planning their next trip to Europe.