Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest airline, has unveiled an exciting expansion of its Greece-Istanbul network for the upcoming Northern summer 2025 season. Beginning in June 2025, the airline will launch new routes from four major Greek destinations—Irakleion (Heraklion), Mykonos, Rhodes, and Thira (Santorini)—to Istanbul. This expansion marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Greece and Turkey, catering to both local travelers and international tourists looking to explore two of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean.
With these new routes, Aegean Airlines aims to provide more frequent and convenient flight options for passengers, offering increased flexibility for travel between Greece and Turkey. The new routes will be served by the airline’s modern Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their comfort and efficiency. Aegean Airlines is no stranger to the Greece-Istanbul connection, having previously operated some of these routes, and now returns with renewed vigor, targeting key travel demand between these iconic destinations.
The newly scheduled flights will run between June and October 2025, with a combination of weekly and bi-weekly services connecting Greece’s most popular islands and Istanbul, one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the new routes, including schedules and flight frequencies. Irakleion, the largest city on the island of Crete and a major tourist destination, will resume its connection to Istanbul after more than a decade.
The last time this route was operated was in 2013. The reintroduction of this route highlights the growing demand for travel between these two historic cities. This four-times-weekly route will provide convenient options for travelers looking to explore Crete’s stunning beaches, archaeological sites, and vibrant culture, or those heading to Istanbul for its rich blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Known for its cosmopolitan flair, nightlife, and stunning beaches, Mykonos is one of Greece’s most famous islands. Aegean Airlines will now connect Mykonos directly to Istanbul once a week, offering an exciting travel option for both Greek locals and international tourists. This weekly service provides an excellent option for travelers looking to experience the best of both worlds—Mykonos’ luxurious island life and Istanbul’s dynamic, cultural urban landscape.
Rhodes, one of Greece’s most historical and popular islands, will have a direct connection to Istanbul twice a week. Rhodes is known for its medieval architecture, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches, making it a major draw for international tourists. This twice-weekly service ensures easy access to the island of Rhodes for those flying from Istanbul and offers a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Istanbul from one of Greece’s most historic destinations.
Santorini, famous for its picturesque landscapes, whitewashed buildings, and breathtaking sunsets, will now have a direct connection to Istanbul with two weekly flights. This route is ideal for the growing number of tourists visiting both Greece and Turkey as part of their Mediterranean travel plans. Santorini’s direct connection to Istanbul offers travelers a seamless journey between two of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and culturally significant destinations.
Aegean Airlines’ decision to expand its Greece-Istanbul network aligns with the growing demand for travel between these two regions. Istanbul has long been a popular destination for Greek travelers, thanks to its rich history, culinary delights, and unique position as a city that bridges two continents. Likewise, Greek islands such as Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini attract millions of tourists from around the world every year.
By increasing its flight offerings to Istanbul, Aegean Airlines is enhancing connectivity between Greece and Turkey, making it easier for tourists and business travelers to move between the two countries. These new routes are also expected to boost tourism in both nations, as travelers from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond can easily plan trips that include both Greek islands and Istanbul. The use of Aegean Airlines’ Airbus A320 aircraft on these routes ensures a high standard of comfort and reliability for passengers.
The A320 is renowned for its fuel efficiency, spacious seating arrangements, and modern in-flight amenities, making it a popular choice for both short-haul and medium-haul flights. The Greece-Turkey route has historically been a significant air travel corridor due to the close geographic proximity and deep cultural ties between the two countries. By launching new routes to popular Greek islands, Aegean Airlines is tapping into a market with strong demand for both leisure and business travel.
Greek islands, particularly Mykonos and Santorini, have seen a surge in international visitors in recent years, many of whom are interested in combining their island-hopping experience with a visit to Istanbul, one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. The expansion of Aegean Airlines’ service will make it easier for travelers to do just that, contributing to both countries’ tourism economies. As Greece’s largest airline, Aegean Airlines continues to play a critical role in connecting Greece with the wider Mediterranean region and beyond.
Its expanded network of flights, modern fleet, and focus on customer satisfaction have helped the airline build a reputation for reliability and excellence in service. With the addition of these new routes from Irakleion, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Thira to Istanbul in the summer of 2025, Aegean Airlines is set to further solidify its position as a key player in the European aviation market. These new connections will undoubtedly offer travelers even more opportunities to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty that Greece and Turkey have to offer.
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