AirAsia is taking another significant step in expanding its international connectivity with the launch of its first-ever codeshare partnership with Türkiye’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC), Pegasus Airlines, opening up seamless connections between Southeast Asia and Europe via Istanbul.
The partnership brings together two LCC powerhouses from Asean and Europe, connecting AirAsia’s extensive network across Asean and Asia with Pegasus’ broad European network through its Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen hub. This also marks another milestone in AirAsia’s mission in becoming the world’s first low-cost network carrier, as the airline makes international travel more accessible and affordable, while strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key gateway between Asia and the world.
Taking AirAsia further into Europe, the partnership will progressively open access to more than 100 routes between Asia and Europe via AirAsia and Pegasus’ combined network. Kicking off with five European destinations – Stansted (London), Vnukovo (Moscow), Esenboga (Ankara), Zurich (Switzerland) and Athens (Greece) – the partnership connects guests from Kuala Lumpur via Istanbul, laying the groundwork for a much broader European network.
To further strengthen the Asia-Europe connection, AirAsia will increase its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul (KUL-SAW) frequency from four times to seven times weekly by February 2027, providing travellers with greater flexibility and more convenient connectivity between the two regions. AirAsia X’s Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route has provided a direct link between Southeast Asia and the gateway city of Istanbul since November 2025, and the codeshare arrangement is designed to provide a seamless connecting experience, with guests able to travel on a single booking and have their baggage checked through to their final destination – without the need to check in again or collect and re-check their bags during transit in Istanbul. The expanded connectivity will give guests greater choice and convenience when travelling between Asia and Europe, while opening up more possibilities as the network continues to grow.
The new connectivity also extends in both directions. Travellers from Europe will be able to connect through Istanbul and onward to Kuala Lumpur, where they can access AirAsia’s extensive Fly-Thru network across Asean, Asia and Australia. This includes popular destinations in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, China, Vietnam and more with its increased frequency to Istanbul, further enhancing connectivity between Europe and Asia and giving European travellers greater access to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations through AirAsia’s extensive network.
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Group, said: “As AirAsia’s first-ever codeshare, this partnership marks a meaningful milestone in our 25th year and the next chapter in our evolution from a leading Asean low-cost carrier into a truly global travel network. By connecting our extensive network across Asia with Pegasus’ strong European network from Istanbul, spanning 160 destinations across 56 countries, we are making Europe more accessible to our guests while creating a gateway for European travellers to discover Asean and beyond. This partnership gives travellers more choices, connectivity and opportunities to explore the world at affordable fares, while laying the foundation for even greater connectivity through strategic partnerships in the future.”
Janice Alyosius is a travel and MICE journalist focusing on business travel, destination marketing, aviation and industry policy. She leads editorial content at MICEtalk and also writes for TravTalk, covering global trends, trade developments and key industry conversations. With regular reporting from tourism forums, conventions and on-ground industry events, her work blends news-led analysis with strong industry voices, offering clear context and relevance for travel trade professionals and decision-makers.