Turkish Airlines Plans 14 Weekly Flights London Stansted Istanbul 2026

Turkish Airlines, recently named Europe's best airline, will launch 14 weekly flights from London Stansted Airport to Istanbul starting in March 2026, marking its first service from Stansted and expanding its UK presence. The airline highlights Istanbul as a prime city break destination with rich historical landmarks and vibrant shopping and food scenes, while the new route enhances connectivity to Turkish Airlines' global network of over 350 destinations. Separately, Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo inaugurated its first long-haul direct flight between Mumbai and Manchester, operating three times weekly with Boeing 787 Dreamliners, aiming to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the UK and India. IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers emphasizes the airline's rapid growth and plans for additional European routes, positioning IndiGo as a notable player in mid/long-haul low-cost travel. Manchester Airport celebrates IndiGo's service as solidifying its status as a major long-haul hub outside London, offering passengers direct connection to over 90 Indian domestic destinations. Both developments indicate significant expansions in transcontinental air connectivity, reflecting growing demand and strategic airline growth in Europe and South Asia.