All Nippon Airways (ANA) Launches Flights to iGA Istanbul Airport

All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline and one of the world’s most prestigious carriers, has officially commenced direct flights between Tokyo Haneda (HND) and iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) as of February 12, 2025.

As a global aviation hub hosting leading airlines from around the world, iGA Istanbul Airport is proud to welcome ANA, which has been recognized as Japan’s Best 5-Star Airline for 12 consecutive years and is listed among Fortune’s "World’s Most Admired Companies." Founded in 1952, ANA, Japan’s largest airline, continues to expand its international network and successfully operated its inaugural flight NH219 to Istanbul.

Under the new route schedule, ANA will operate three weekly flights—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using a Boeing 787-8.

With this launch, ANA becomes the 111th airline to operate at iGA Istanbul Airport. In a recent expansion, Sky Express also joined the growing roster of airlines, bringing the total number to 110 before ANA’s addition.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony held at iGA Istanbul Airport, the airport’s CEO Selahattin Bilgen emphasized the significance of ANA’s new route in strengthening bilateral ties, especially as Türkiye and Japan celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024:

“As iGA Istanbul Airport, we are delighted to collaborate with ANA, an airline that prioritizes customer satisfaction and service quality. These flights will enhance connectivity for passengers, offering faster and more efficient access between key hubs in Asia and Europe.”

“By closing 2024 with 80 million passengers, we reaffirmed our status as a key global aviation hub. In April, we will enhance our operational capacity by introducing triple parallel runway operations. This milestone will further elevate iGA Istanbul Airport as a premier global transfer center.”

Shinichi Inoue, President & CEO of ANA, expressed his enthusiasm about launching operations at one of the world’s most strategic transfer hubs, stating:

“We are delighted to welcome Istanbul into our ever-growing global network. This milestone not only enhances travel opportunities for our passengers but also plays a vital role in deepening the bond between Turkiye and Japan. As a bridge connecting nations, we are dedicated to fostering stronger ties and enriching cultural exchange, ensuring that interactions between our two countries continue to flourish.”