Kuala lumpur: AirAsia X’s (AAX) inaugural flight to Istanbul, Turkiye, recorded strong demand in both directions, with the outbound Kuala Lumpur flight operating at 81 percent capacity and the return flight nearly 89 percent full.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, AAX chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail stated that the route launch coincides with the peak travel season in December and January. This timing has resulted in strong bookings, and he anticipates that the load factors will be over 80 percent throughout this period.

“The goal is to ensure that we maintain this level consistently, not just to bring Malaysians across, but also to expand our network to Istanbul and vice versa,” he said at a press conference here today, in conjunction with the maiden flight which embarked on November 14, 2025.

Benyamin mentioned that AAX is offering four weekly flights to Istanbul and more than 150,000 seats annually at competitive fares. He emphasized that operating close to 200 aircraft within the group, with Kuala Lumpur as one of AirAsia’s biggest hubs, gives the airline the ability not just to bring traffic from Kuala Lumpur, but also from across the ASEAN region.

Benyamin also highlighted that AAX’s fares, expected to be 30 to 40 percent cheaper than other carriers, aim to stimulate the new market and give people the chance to save while traveling more often. He noted that the airline is confident the Istanbul sector will boost trade and business deals.

Capital A executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun remarked that the maiden flight to Istanbul is a significant step in AAX’s long-haul growth strategy, as Turkiye represents a strong market with immense potential for both leisure and business travel. He added that this new route enhances network connectivity between Southeast Asia and Eurasia and reinforces AAX’s position in affordable long-haul travel.

As demand for international travel to major cities in Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East continues to rise, AAX remains focused on expanding into strategic markets to strengthen its global footprint and deliver greater value to guests, partners, and stakeholders across the region.