EASYJET has launched its first flights and package holidays from Bristol Airport to Istanbul for customers eager to explore Turkey’s top tourism hotspot, becoming the only carrier operating the route.

The first flight to Istanbul took off this afternoon and will now operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays year-round, providing convenient connections for travellers in the South West of England to discover Turkey’s largest city.

Great value seats are now available to book from just £23.99 on easyJet.com and via the mobile app.

Bridging Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a fascinating blend of the ancient and modern, offering visitors an eclectic mix of cultures, which has made it one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists.

Byzantine and Ottoman influences can be discovered throughout the city, from rich architectural gems such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the lively Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace.

Turkey continues to top the tourism tables, and in 2024 easyJet was the third biggest carrier from the UK, offering over 1.7 million seats, serving Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya.

easyJet holidays has a vast range of beach and city break packages on offer, with bookings available until 31 October 2026.

All easyJet holidays packages include flights, hotel, 23kg luggage and transfers on beach holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee.

The new route to Istanbul from Bristol, follows the recent launch of easyJet’s new twice weekly service, every Wednesday and Saturday, from the city to Agadir in Morocco, which started on October 27.

Customers can also soon fly from Bristol to Tromso in Norway, a brand-new exciting winter destination for the airline, which will start on 5 December.

The introduction of these three new routes shows the continuing strong demand from easyJet customers in the South West of England, offering even greater choice and more convenient connections to key European leisure destinations.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Our brand new service from Bristol to Istanbul provides our customers in the South West with a direct connection to one of Europe’s most popular and culturally exciting cities.

“Coming hot on the heels of our recently launched route to Agadir and soon to start service Tromso, customers in the region have even more choice of where to fly with great value fares.

“And with thousands of package holidays available via easyJet holidays and with hundreds of hotels to choose from, there’s something for everyone.”

Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport, said: “We are thrilled to welcome easyJet's new routes to Istanbul in Turkey and Agadir in Morocco.

“These exciting new destinations add to the extensive route network and flexibility of flights available from Bristol Airport, and it shows the strength in demand from customers in the South West and Wales wishing to travel further afield.

“Istanbul is a great city for business and leisure, so it’s good news for many of our customers, who can now fly from their local airport.

“Istanbul also opens up a wide range of connecting flights for those looking to explore Asia and beyond.

“The new route to Agadir will allow travellers to escape the colder months and enjoy the warm Moroccan heat and the many water sport activities it has to offer.

“We look forward to working with easyJet on further new route opportunities including Tromso in the coming months.”