Turkish Airlines has launched a stopover program for travelers connecting through its İstanbul hub. The offer applies to passengers departing from any of the airline’s nine U.S. gateways who are en route to destinations across Africa, Eastern and Southern Europe, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran or Kazakhstan.
Passengers who have a connection time in İstanbul longer than 20 hours are eligible for complimentary central accommodations. Economy-class travelers receive a one-night stay at a four-star hotel in the Sultanahmet area, while business-class travelers are offered a two-night stay at a five-star property in the Taksim district. Vouchers for the hotel stays are provided after flight booking to confirm participation.
“Turkish Airlines’ stopover program aims to create an elevated experience for our passengers, as well as contributing to Turkey’s tourism activities by bringing in-transit passengers from Turkish Airlines into our fascinating hub city, İstanbul,” said Ahmet Olmuştur, chief marketing officer of Turkish Airlines. The program is part of the carrier’s broader effort to combine comfortable air travel with quality ground services and to showcase İstanbul as a destination in its own right.
Beyond the standard stopover accommodations, Turkish Airlines also continues to offer the İstanbul Bosporus Experience for business-class passengers with transfer times of seven hours or more. This curated option features a scenic boat tour along the Bosporus, dining at Çırağan Palace Kempinski and guided visits to key historic landmarks, providing a compact but memorable taste of the city during a long connection.
The stopover program is designed for both leisure and business travelers who want to break up long itineraries and make the most of an extended layover. By providing centrally located hotels and optional cultural experiences, the airline aims to make transit through İstanbul more comfortable and enjoyable while encouraging visitors to explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, culinary offerings and waterfront sights.
Passengers interested in the stopover should check eligibility based on their itinerary and connection time. Details, terms and conditions for hotel vouchers and the Bosporus Experience are provided at the time of booking, ensuring travelers can plan their stopover activities in advance. The initiative reflects Turkish Airlines’ strategy to enhance passenger experience on long-haul routes and to promote Türkiye as a stopover destination for international travelers.