[September 3rd 2008]
Low cost airline easyJet is launching new flights from Gatwick airport to the popular Turkish city of Istanbul this winter.
Daily flights from Gatwick to Istanbul will start on December 12th, with fares from £35.99 one way or £59.98 return including tax. easyJet expects more than 100,000 passengers to fly on the new route in the first 12 months.
This is the fifth new route that easyJet has announced from Gatwick this winter. The other new flights are to Lyon, starting on October 3rd, Basel starting on October 27th, Helsinki beginning on November 3rd, and Salzburg on December 13th.
“easyJet has seen a huge increase in flights to ski and sun destinations this year, reinforcing easyJet’s position as the favourite airline for independent travellers, providing convenient low cost flights from your local airport. The new route to Istanbul from London Gatwick will bring the choice of routes from the airline’s largest base up to 51," comments easyJet UK general manager, David Osborne.
With the announcement of new flights to Istanbul, easyJet has also reached a new landmark as this means that the low fares airline is now offering a choice of 400 routes.
Istanbul has become popular as a city break option and as a gateway into the increasingly desirable holiday destination of Turkey. It is regarded as the only city in the world that openly embraces two continents – Europe and Asia – and offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites.
The old city of Istanbul has a number of must see places including the Grand Bazaar, where haggling for bargains is the order of the day, and the famous Blue Mosque and Topkapy Palace. The newer areas of Istanbul, north of the old city and across the Galata Bridge, show how firmly the city has embraced European culture.
Other options for getting to Istanbul include the flights operated by British Airways and Turkish Airlines to Istanbul Ataturk International airport from Heathrow. Passengers from Manchester to Istanbul are also served by Turkish Airlines.
Written by: Nick Purdom
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