AirAsia Teams Up With Pegasus to Open More Low-Cost Routes From Asia to Europe

AirAsia on September 2 announced the first codeshare partnership in its history, a move that signals a clear push to deepen its international network. The agreement links AirAsia with Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier, using Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen as the key transfer point between Asia and Europe.

AirAsia on September 2 announced the first codeshare partnership in its history, a move that signals a clear push to deepen its international network. The agreement links AirAsia with Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier, using Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen as the key transfer point between Asia and Europe.

In the first phase, travelers will be able to connect from Kuala Lumpur to five European destinations via Istanbul: London Stansted, Moscow Vnukovo, Ankara, Zurich and Athens. AirAsia says the combined networks of the two carriers could eventually unlock access to more than 100 routes, giving Asian travelers broader and more affordable entry to Europe.

The network expansion is also backed by more capacity. AirAsia plans to increase its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul service from four flights a week to daily operations starting in February 2027, making the connection more practical for both leisure and business passengers.

For travelers, the appeal is straightforward: one booking, through-checked baggage and a smoother transfer experience. For the regional market, the partnership stands out as a timely development as self-planned international travel continues to rebound, with Southeast Asian passengers looking for flexible and lower-cost ways to reach Europe.