Turkish Airlines has commenced flights to London Stansted Airport, marking its third gateway in London after Heathrow and Gatwick. The new route, launched on 24 March 2026, operates with 15 weekly frequencies, expanding the airline's UK network to six destinations, which also include Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
At the inauguration ceremony, executives from Turkish Airlines and London Stansted Airport underscored the strategic importance of the new service. Turkish Airlines Vice President Sales (Middle and Northern Europe) Fuat Fırat stated: "The United Kingdom continues to be one of the key strategic markets for Turkish Airlines. With the addition of London Stansted flights, we are pleased to expand our presence in London to a third airport, further strengthening London Stansted's connectivity and offering our guests greater flexibility to access our unparalleled global network."
London Stansted Airport Managing Director Gareth Powell commented: "We're delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines to London Stansted. This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve. Istanbul is a fantastic destination in its own right, but this new service also opens the door to Turkish Airlines' extensive global network, connecting London Stansted to over 350 destinations."
When combined with its Dublin service, Turkish Airlines' total weekly frequencies across the United Kingdom and Ireland will reach 168 during the summer schedule.
Why it matters
The addition of London Stansted provides Turkish Airlines with greater capacity and flexibility in one of Europe's most competitive aviation markets. Stansted's catchment area in the East of England and its role as a hub for low-cost carriers offer access to both leisure and business travellers who may have been underserved by the airline's existing Heathrow and Gatwick operations. The 15 weekly frequencies represent a significant capacity injection, potentially diverting some connecting traffic from other hubs and strengthening Istanbul's position as a transfer point between Europe and destinations in Asia, Africa, and beyond. For London Stansted, securing a full-service network carrier like Turkish Airlines diversifies its carrier mix and enhances its long-haul connectivity proposition to the travel trade.
