AirAsia and Pegasus launch first codeshare linking Asia

AirAsia has entered its first-ever codeshare agreement, partnering with Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines. The deal, announced on September 2, 2026, connects the airlines' networks across Southeast Asia and Europe via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

The initial phase of the partnership opens five European destinations for passengers traveling from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Travelers can book a single ticket with through-checked baggage for these routes, avoiding the need to recheck luggage during the Istanbul stopover.

Launch Destinations and Increased Frequency

The codeshare begins with service to five cities from Kuala Lumpur via Istanbul. To support the new connectivity, AirAsia will increase its Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul flight frequency. The route, first launched by AirAsia X in November 2025, will go from four to seven weekly flights by February 2027, becoming a daily service.

The initial European destinations accessible via the codeshare are:

Leadership Hails a New Network Bridge

AirAsia Group CEO Bo Lingum framed the partnership as a significant milestone in the airline's 25th anniversary year. He described it as a new chapter in AirAsia's evolution from a regional leader into what he called "a truly global travel network." Lingum said connecting with Pegasus's network of 160 destinations across 56 countries makes Europe more accessible for Asian passengers while creating a gateway for Europeans to explore ASEAN.

Pegasus Airlines CEO Gulis Ozturk said the deal reflects the strength of her airline's network built from Istanbul over two decades. She called Sabiha Gokcen Airport "a natural link between Europe and Asia." Ozturk noted that Pegasus passengers can now travel seamlessly to Kuala Lumpur and connect to over 140 destinations across Asia Pacific via AirAsia's network.

Bidirectional Travel and Hub Ambitions

The partnership is designed to work in both directions. European travelers can fly via Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur and connect onward through AirAsia's Fly-Thru network to destinations across ASEAN, Asia, and Australia. Key markets include Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, China, and Vietnam.

For AirAsia, the codeshare reinforces Kuala Lumpur's position as a key connecting hub. This move aligns with the airline's stated ambition to become the world's first global low-cost network carrier. The planned daily Istanbul frequency is intended to strengthen that link further.

Introductory Promotional Fares

To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering promotional one-way fares. The promotion runs from September 2-6, 2026, for travel through March 27, 2027. Fares include departure fees, fuel surcharges, and a 20 kg checked baggage allowance. Bookings are available through the AirAsia MOVE platform.

Promotional fares from Kuala Lumpur to the five European destinations via Istanbul start from MYR 799 (US$180) one-way. Fares from Europe to Kuala Lumpur start from US$199 one-way, with London Stansted fares beginning at US$299.