What Is Turkish Airlines? The Global Airline Flying to More Countries Than Any Other
Founded in 1933 and based at Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines connects the UK with Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas through one of the world’s biggest hubs
Turkish Airlines (THY, IATA code TK) is the national flag carrier of Turkey and a Star Alliance member since 2008. Its home base, Istanbul Airport (IST), is one of the largest airports in the world, and the airline flies to more countries than almost any other carrier — making it a favourite for UK travellers who want a low fare and a wide choice of destinations.
From the UK, Turkish Airlines operates direct flights to Istanbul from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, with onward connections to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the USA, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Japan and beyond. Turkish also flies to the Turkish holiday coast — Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir — often with a one-stop connection through Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines Flights from UK Airports to Istanbul
Direct Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul from six UK airports — the starting point for every onward journey
Fares are indicative, vary by date and availability, and frequencies change seasonally. Call 020 7550 8212 for live Turkish Airlines availability from your nearest UK airport, including Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle via connecting services.
Turkish Airlines Flights from the UK to Pakistan, India, USA & More
One stop in Istanbul unlocks more than 350 destinations — these are the routes UK travellers book most on Turkish Airlines
| Region | Popular Turkish Airlines Routes | Approx. Journey Time | Fares From (return) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | London to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Manchester to Islamabad, Birmingham to Lahore | 11–15h | £479 | Flights to Pakistan |
| India | London to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa, Ahmedabad | 10–14h | £489 | Flights to India |
| USA | London to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Washington DC | 12–16h | £529 | Flights to USA |
| Canada | London to Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary | 11–15h | £519 | Flights to Canada |
| Australia & NZ | London to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland | 21–27h | £949 | Flights to Australia |
| UAE | London to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah | 9–11h | £339 | Flights to UAE |
| Saudi Arabia | London to Jeddah, Makkah, Medina, Riyadh — popular for Umrah | 8–10h | £429 | Flights to Saudi |
| Far East | London to Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore | 13–18h | £599 | Flights to China |
| Turkey holiday coast | UK to Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir, Istanbul | 4–7h | £229 | Flights to Turkey |
Journey times include a typical Istanbul layover. Fares are indicative and change with season, demand and baggage inclusions.
Turkish Airlines’ Top 3 UK Routes in Detail
London, Manchester and Pakistan-bound travellers book these Turkish Airlines routes more than any others
London to Istanbul Turkish Airlines Flights
Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted several times a day, so you can pick the departure time and London airport that suits you. Ideal for city breaks, business trips and onward connections to Asia and the Middle East.
Book London–IstanbulManchester to Istanbul Turkish Airlines Flights
The North West’s gateway to Istanbul and the wider Turkish network. Manchester passengers skip the trip to London and connect straight to Pakistan, India, Dubai and the Far East, often at lower fares than direct alternatives.
Book Manchester–IstanbulUK to Pakistan via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines connects London, Manchester and Birmingham to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi via Istanbul. A popular, budget-friendly alternative to direct flights, with short layovers and strong baggage options for family and Eid travel.
Book UK–PakistanIstanbul Airport, Terminals & Turkey Holiday Flights
What to expect at Turkish Airlines’ hub, and how to reach Turkey’s resort airports from the UK
Turkish Airlines Economy, Business Class & Baggage Allowance
What’s included in each cabin, and how much luggage Turkish Airlines allows on UK routes
| Route Type | Economy Checked Baggage | Business Class | Cabin Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK – Istanbul & Europe | 20 kg (lightweight fares: cabin only) | 30 kg | 8 kg |
| UK – Pakistan / India / Middle East | 30 kg | 40 kg | 8 kg |
| UK – USA / Canada | 2 x 23 kg | 2 x 32 kg | 8 kg |
| UK – Australia / Far East | 30 kg | 40 kg | 8 kg |
Baggage rules depend on your exact fare and route and are updated by Turkish Airlines from time to time. We confirm your allowance in writing before you pay.
Istanbul Stopover Tours & Miles&Smiles
Turn your layover into a city break and earn rewards on every Turkish Airlines flight
Turkish Airlines Fleet & Aircraft Types
A modern fleet of around 500 aircraft — here’s what you’ll fly on from the UK
Turkish Airlines Check-In, Manage Booking & Contact
A simple guide to online check-in, changing your ticket and getting help from the UK
Turkish Airlines vs Other Airlines from the UK to Asia & Middle East
How Turkish Airlines compares with PIA, British Airways, Emirates and Qatar Airways on popular long-haul routes
| Airline | Route Type | Baggage (Asia) | From (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkish Airlines Most destinations | Connecting (Istanbul) | 30 kg | £279 | Low fares, widest network, free stopover tour |
| PIA | Direct to Pakistan | 40 kg | £289 | Direct flights, heavy luggage, families |
| British Airways | Direct | 23 kg | £329 | Reliability, Heathrow convenience |
| Emirates | Connecting (Dubai) | 30 kg | £299 | Premium comfort, Dubai stopover |
| Qatar Airways | Connecting (Doha) | 30 kg | £295 | Service quality |
Prices are indicative and vary by date and availability. Read our full guide to the best airlines from the UK to Turkey or call 020 7550 8212 for live fares.
Turkish Airlines Flights — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, accurate answers about Turkish Airlines routes, baggage, business class, check-in and stopovers
More Turkey Flight Pages
Continue exploring flights to Turkey, other airlines and destinations you can reach via Istanbul
Ready to Book Your Turkish Airlines Flight?
Call, WhatsApp or fill in the form above — our UK-based specialists compare Turkish Airlines against every major airline to find you the best fare, whether it’s a city break to Istanbul or a long-haul trip to Pakistan, India or the USA.