Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Aegean Airlines has just launched a new direct route connecting Santorini with Istanbul, marking a major milestone in regional travel and tourism.
The inaugural flight took place on Tuesday, greeted with celebration at Santorini Airport, where Aegean President Eftichios Vassilakis and George Vilos of Fraport Greece were in attendance. Passengers arriving from Istanbul were warmly welcomed, setting a festive tone for the launch.
“This route brings two iconic destinations closer than ever,” said a representative of Aegean. The new connection is expected to enhance travel between the Greek islands and Turkey’s cultural capital, offering tourists easier access and a smoother journey.
But the move isn’t just about convenience; it’s also part of Aegean’s broader push to strengthen its presence in the Turkish market, especially during the busy travel season. The airline has increased capacity on Turkish routes by 25% compared to last year, adding more direct flights not only to Santorini but also to Heraklion, Mykonos, and Rhodes, along with extra flights from Athens.
Istanbul’s airport, one of the busiest in the world, serves over 260 international destinations, making it a key hub for global travelers. By linking Santorini directly to this gateway, Aegean hopes to attract more long-haul tourists from markets like the U.S., China, and India.
China, now rebounding from years of travel restrictions, has historically shown strong interest in Santorini, a favorite among Chinese tourists pre-pandemic. Meanwhile, India is fast emerging as a powerful force in international travel demand.
While Aegean hasn’t yet added a direct route to India, Istanbul is being used as a strategic link for Indian travelers heading to Greece’s islands. The hope is to make Greece more accessible to a growing number of visitors using Turkey as a transit point.
For the Cyclades, this new route is more than just another flight—it’s a boost to tourism, local economies, and cultural exchange. With global travel back in full swing, Aegean’s Santorini-Istanbul route could become a key connector between East and West.
As one airline insider put it, “This is just the beginning.”
