Turkish Airlines is offering its passengers flying to Africa, Asia, the Far East, and the Middle East a free stopover in Istanbul if they are traveling from the United Kingdom. Those with round-trip tickets will be given free accommodation to stay in Turkey's largest city.

How does it work?

According to a press release sent by the carrier, the eligible customers can choose to benefit from this offer on either the outbound or return journey. They just have to send an application to their country’s Turkish Airlines e-mail address at least 72 hours before the first flight.

Economy class passengers can enjoy a single night stay in a four-star hotel while those in business class can stay in a five-star-room for two nights. While there, they can take the opportunity to discover the rich culture and history that Istanbul has to offer. Not to mention the famous Turkish cuisine that will be cooking throughout the city.

Ultimately, those flying with the Star Alliance airline from five UK airports will be able to enjoy this bonus. These hubs include London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Istanbul skyline
Istanbul is Turkey's most populous city with 15 million residents. Photo: Mike McBey via Flickr

Added value

Turkish Airlines' General Manager Celal Baykal spoke of his company's decision to implement this move. He feels that it will help passengers make the most out of their experience.

“It is with great pleasure that we are announcing our new initiative available for passengers with round trip tickets to Africa, Asia, Far East, Middle East destinations," Baykal said as per the release.

"Every year we see thousands of British travelers flying out to these destinations and we’re proud to offer people the opportunity to widen their world with Turkish Airlines and maximise their trip away with a free stopover in Istanbul."

Turkish Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Turkish Airlines will be hoping people can enjoy the vibrancy that Istanbul has to offer. Photo: Boeing

Positive offering

Altogether, this is a great initiative by the flag carrier of Turkey that will benefit the customer, the airline and the country. Passengers will be able to extend their trip experience to another destination at no extra cost.

Additionally, it could sway certain fliers to choose Turkish Airlines if when they are considering their options. Meanwhile, Turkey will have more people visiting it, which will cause it to benefit from a greater tourism economy.

The airline flies to 268 destinations outside of its host country with the majority of these to the regions that will enable a free stopover. Those traveling to Xi’an in China and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea may now want to consider flying with Turkish Airlines as it has now added these destinations to its operations.

Following a strong year, the airline is set to have another strong period ahead. Especially following promotions such as this stopover in Istanbul.

Simple Flying reached out to Turkish Airlines for further comment on this introduction. A spokesperson confirmed to Simple Flying that there is no deadline to this offering.

What are your thoughts on Turkish Airlines offering free accommodation in Istanbul? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.