Published on
October 18, 2025
Istanbul, Turkey, stands to gain new international connectivity as AJet, Turkish Airlines’ innovative low-cost subsidiary, announces its plan to introduce direct flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Starting from February 22, 2026, this new route offers four weekly flights, grounding Turkey’s expanding network in Western Europe and significantly enhancing travel options to one of Europe’s most vibrant business and cultural hubs. With tickets on sale from October 17, 2025, at starting prices as low as dollar sixty nine, the airline aims to make Rotterdam more accessible to both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable, efficient travel solutions.
A Strategic Move to Expand European Network
The addition of Rotterdam to AJet’s route portfolio underscores its strategic goal of strengthening Turkey’s economic and cultural connectivity with Europe. Known for its unique blend of ultra-modern architecture and Europe’s busiest seaport, Rotterdam plays a key role in global trade, logistics, and innovation. As the second destination in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, Rotterdam opens new avenues for business tourism and cultural exchange, fostering greater tourism flows while boosting bilateral relations between Turkey and the Netherlands.
AJet’s vibrant route network now spans over hundred destinations across thirty-four countries, prioritizing affordability without compromising quality. The airline’s decision to enhance its European presence demonstrates its commitment to capturing market share in the continent’s growing low-cost travel segment, especially as cross-border mobility continues to rebound after the pandemic.
Flight Operations and Schedule
The new Istanbul–Rotterdam service will operate four times weekly, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using modern aircraft to ensure maximum efficiency and passenger comfort. The inaugural flight, set for February 22, 2026, promises travelers seamless connections between Turkey and Western Europe, with the route featuring popular stops for both business journeys and leisure escapes.
The flight schedule is designed to optimize connectivity, providing travelers with flexible departure times and quick transfers to other key European destinations such as London, Paris, and Brussels, further broadening the scope of Turkish outbound tourism. The flexibility allows travelers to explore the Netherlands and beyond, leveraging AJet’s low fares and reliable services.
A Growing Impact on Turkish and European Tourism
The launch of this budget-friendly route is expected to significantly bolster tourism and economic activity in both Turkey and the Netherlands. Rotterdam’s cultural attractions, international port, and vibrant lifestyle make it an increasingly popular destination for tourists, especially within Europe and for the Turkish expatriate community. The new route facilitates more efficient travel options for business visitors, cultural tourists, and expats, contributing to local tourism economies.
Furthermore, the route’s low fares are likely to stimulate increased outbound traffic from Turkey, particularly for leisure, shopping, and gastronomy tourism. Turkey’s strategic position as a gateway to Europe combined with Istanbul’s role as a major transit hub ensures that AJet’s expansion will boost transit passenger flows and broader regional connectivity, bolstering tourism growth in the region.
Future Expansion and Market Strategy
As Turkey’s youngest and fastest-growing airline, AJet is committed to expanding its route network through innovative, cost-effective solutions. The new Istanbul-Rotterdam route aligns with its broader growth strategy to increase market share in Europe and serve emerging travel demands. The airline’s focus on maintaining competitive prices and delivering reliable service enhances its reputation among budget-conscious travelers.
The airline continues to explore opportunities in other European markets and plans to expand its fleet with more efficient aircraft, emphasizing sustainability and operational excellence. These strategic moves aim to position AJet as a leader in the low-cost segment in Türkiye and across Europe, attracting a new generation of travelers seeking affordable, seamless travel options.
Tourism and Economic Benefits for Turkey and the Netherlands
The new route is anticipated to support increased tourism flows, particularly for the Dutch city of Rotterdam, renowned for its innovative architecture, dynamic port operations, and vibrant arts scene. As AJet makes Rotterdam more accessible, local tourism authorities expect a rise in visitors attending cultural festivals, business events, and leisure activities, thus bolstering the local economy.
For Turkey, the new route provides additional gateway options for tourists and business travelers, supporting Turkey’s broader aim of expanding its international tourism footprint. Increased direct flights foster stronger economic ties, encourage cultural exchange, and promote Turkey as an attractive destination for European visitors. This enhanced connectivity underpins the broader goal of Turkey’s tourism sector to diversify its source markets and boost arrivals, especially in the context of a recovering global travel environment.
Image Credit: Turkish Airlines
