PRESS RELEASE – AnimaWings launches direct Cluj-Istanbul flights starting in October 2025!
Cluj Napoca, August 13, 2025 – AnimaWings continues its accelerated expansion process and announces the introduction of regular flights to Istanbul, one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world, departing from Cluj International Airport. The new air connection will allow passengers from Cluj and the entire Transylvania region to reach Istanbul Airport (IST) directly – Europe’s largest air hub and a strategic gateway to hundreds of international destinations.
Details of the new flights launched:
Cluj (CLJ) – Istanbul (IST): from October 16, 2025, 2 flights per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, from 49,99 euros/person/way
| Destination | Debut date | Operating days | Operating program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul (IST) | October 16 2025 | Thursday, Sunday | Cluj-Napoca 14:45 – Istanbul 16:25 Istanbul 12:25 – Cluj-Napoca 14:00 |
Note: Flight times represent local landing/takeoff times.
For tickets and reservations go here www.animawings.com
"Expanding the AnimaWings regular route network in Transylvania is a priority for us. Cluj is one of the most important urban and economic centers of the country, and Istanbul is one of the most dynamic metropolises in our region – both from a tourist and commercial point of view. We are pleased to offer a direct and accessible connection between the two cities, with an efficient schedule and state-of-the-art services.", stated Marius Pandel, President of the AnimaWings Board.
Viorel Federiga, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Airport Avram Iancu Cluj mentioned the following: "We congratulate the air operator Animawings for its decision to add a new destination to its network of routes operated from Cluj-Napoca and we are confident that flights to Istanbul will be appreciated by all traveler segments, contributing to even greater connectivity between Romania and Turkey."
Mr. David Ciceo, Director General of the International Airport Avram Iancu Cluj, declared in turn: “We are happy to see a new Animawings destination, announced for operation this year, after the success of the domestic route to Bucharest Otopeni, which debuted in January 2025. The Istanbul destination is an extremely popular one, not only in terms of the multiple existing connections from this air hub, but also as a tourist or business destination, for travelers from the Cluj airport coverage area. We appreciate the commitment of the air operator Animawings to the development of its network in Cluj-Napoca and we wish it much success.”
Istanbul Grand Airport is the largest airport in Europe, with over 80 million passengers annually, and offers flights to 317 destinations in 117 countries. The new Cluj-Istanbul route brings not only a fascinating destination less than two hours away, but also access to an extensive global network, ideal for connections to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
"AnimaWings already has a solid presence in Turkey and is recognized as one of the leading Romanian air operators in relation to this country.", Marius Pandel added. In the 2025 summer season, the company operates over 350 charter flights to Antalya and Bodrum, from 7 airports in Romania, including direct flights on the Cluj - Antalya route, consolidating its position in the top Romanian airlines serving destinations in Turkey.
The flights will be operated with Airbus A220 aircraft, a state-of-the-art model known for its operational efficiency, increased comfort and cutting-edge technology. The aircraft are brand new, delivered starting in December 2024, and are part of an order of 12 Airbus A220s that AnimaWings has contracted to expand its fleet in the coming years. A new aircraft will be received this autumn, thus supporting the growth of the regular route network.
Passengers will have the opportunity to choose between three comfort classes: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy, benefiting from a high standard of on-board services and the operational efficiency offered by the new A220 aircraft. Regardless of the class chosen, every detail is designed to provide an uncompromising travel experience: from the comfort of the seats and the latest generation aircraft technology, to the personalized services and dedicated cabin crews. In AnimaWings' vision, air travel should be more than a means of transportation – a pleasant, safe and stress-free experience that inspires passengers to discover new destinations with confidence and enthusiasm.
About AnimaWings:
AnimaWings is a 100% Romanian airline, inaugurated in 2020 and part of Memento Group, alongside the tour operator Christian Tour, with a team of professionals who offer passengers unforgettable trips, on regular or charter flights, implementing systems, procedures and safety protocols to an exceptional standard.
The airline, which is constantly expanding, will increase its fleet by 2 Airbus A220-300 aircraft this year, and by 4 more aircraft next year. The AnimaWings fleet expansion plan by the end of 2026 aims for a total of 12 aircraft.
For more information:
AnimaWings PR & Communication Department
pr@animawings.com
+40 759.026.240
