One of Spain’s leading airlines, Air Europa, has started operating flights to iGA Istanbul Airport. Starting from May 12, Air Europa, which operates reciprocal flights between the two countries using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, has become the fourth airline to start service at Istanbul Airport in 2025.

As a global transfer hub connecting the world to Türkiye, iGA Istanbul Airport has begun hosting Air Europa, one of Europe’s prominent airlines. The Spanish carrier Air Europa will operate four weekly flights between Madrid and Istanbul as of May 12. Starting July 7, these flights will become daily.

Operating flights to over 55 destinations worldwide, Air Europa offers important connections between Europe and the Americas thanks to the strategic location of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The flights, operated with the airline's efficient and advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, will depart Madrid Barajas Airport at 09:30 AM and Istanbul at 4:00 PM. These flight schedules will allow passengers to connect to overnight flights to the Americas via Madrid.

Highlighting the significance of Air Europa launching operations at iGA Istanbul Airport, iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen stated:

“We are very pleased that Air Europa has started flights to iGA Istanbul Airport. This new air bridge established between Madrid and Istanbul is a significant step toward strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. Istanbul is not only a powerful player in international tourism; with its unique connectivity potential between Asia, Africa, and Europe, it also offers vast opportunities for the business world. We believe that Air Europa, one of Spain’s leading carriers, will add great value to Istanbul.“

Statement from Air Europa CEO Jesús Nuño de la Rosa:

"Connecting Madrid to Türkiye means more than just opening a new route for us. This step advances our vision of connecting not only Europe but also the entire Eastern Mediterranean region to the Americas. Istanbul is a destination of great cultural and economic importance. We continue to expand options for our customers by including such a key hub. We wholeheartedly believe that this route will be successful in a short time and that Air Europa will become one of the essential carriers for this destination.”

About iGA Istanbul Airport:

iGA Istanbul Airport, the largest infrastructure project in the history of the Turkish Republic, has been welcoming passengers since April 6, 2019. As Türkiye's gateway to the world, iGA Istanbul Airport operates as the region’s most significant global transfer hub. In addition to numerous awards it has received so far, it was also named “World’s Best Airport” in 2024 by leading travel and tourism publications Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. Covering a total area of 76.5 million square meters, the airport is planned to be completed in four phases. As part of its first phase, Istanbul Airport currently operates with five operational runways and a terminal capacity of 90 million passengers. Once all phases are completed, the airport is expected to reach an annual passenger capacity of 200 million.

About Air Europa:

Founded in 1986, Air Europa is a Spain-based airline and a member of the SkyTeam Alliance. With a fleet of 52 aircraft consisting of Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 737 models, the company operates one of the most modern and sustainable fleets in the industry. Committed to sustainability and decarbonization, Air Europa focuses on digitalization and the optimization of operational processes using cutting-edge technologies. The airline is known for delivering high-quality service and is recognized as one of the most punctual carriers in Europe.