PRESS RELEASE Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport and Turkish Airlines announce for the first time the doubling of frequencies for direct Cluj - Istanbul flights
Cluj-Napoca, 02.02.2026
Turkish Airlines doubles direct Cluj-Istanbul flights from the 2026 summer season
Turkish Airlines has been offering direct flights to Istanbul from Cluj International Airport since 2016, and currently operates daily flights. Due to the additional frequencies, the number of flights will double from 7 to 14 per week, starting on March 29, 2026, by introducing 7 additional flights.
Thus, from Monday to Sunday, 2 daily flights will be operated from Cluj to Istanbul, one in the morning and one in the evening, offering even more flexibility for passengers. This spectacular increase will facilitate passenger connectivity to the over 300 destinations in the Turkish Airlines global network.
The doubling of flight frequency responds to the growing demand from passengers who choose Istanbul both as a final destination and as a connection hub to intercontinental destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Updated schedule of direct flights Cluj-Napoca – Istanbul:
| ROUTE | Operating period with 14 frequencies/week | FLIGHT SCHEDULE | OPERATION DAYS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) – Istanbul (IST) | From March 29, 2026 – October 24, 2026 |
Departure IST 07:30 – Arrival CLJ 09:05 Departure CLJ 09:55 – Arrival IST 11:45 Departure IST 18:40 – Arrival CLJ 20:15 Departure CLJ 21:05 – Arrival IST 22:45 |
Mon(2), Tue(2), Wed(2), Thu(2), Fri(2), Sat(2), Thu(2) |
The President of the Cluj County Council, Mr. Alin Tişe stated on this occasion: "The decision of Turkish Airlines to double the operation of Cluj - Istanbul flights will bring major benefits to the business environment, tourism, the academic community and all passengers in Cluj and the entire Transylvania region. At the same time, it reconfirms the position of Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport as a regional reference airport and highlights the attractiveness of Cluj for major airlines. Cluj County Council will continue to support the development of the air route network and partnerships that contribute to economic growth, the attractiveness of the county and the connection of Cluj with major international centers."
Mr. Viorel Federiga, President of the Board of Directors of Cluj International Airport, He also wanted to specify: "We particularly appreciate the decision of Turkish Airlines to increase flight frequencies. Through these remarkable results, Cluj International Airport demonstrates once again that it is the regional airport with the most dynamic and spectacular development. It is obvious that the constant efforts made by the entire Cluj airport team continue to be based on professionalism, vision and excellence in the development of the largest regional airport in Romania."
Mr. David Ciceo, Director General of Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport, added: "This unprecedented decision by our partner Turkish Airlines to double the number of operating frequencies from 7 to 14 on the Cluj-Istanbul route is the result of a solid collaboration built over time, for over 10 years, and reflects the confidence of a prestigious airline partner like Turkish Airlines in the continuous development of Cluj International Airport and in the economic dynamics of the region. Starting from the summer season S2026, passengers will have easier access to one of the largest air hubs in the world, by operating 2 daily flights to Istanbul, with multiple connection possibilities to all continents."
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About Turkish Airlines:
Founded in 1933, initially with a fleet of five aircraft, Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance member, today has a fleet of 477 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to 352 destinations worldwide, of which 299 are international and 53 are domestic in 131 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or on its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Star Alliance
Established in 1997 as the world's first airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition based on global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong focus on improving the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI and United.
In total, the Star Alliance network currently offers 17.500 daily flights to over 1.150 airports in 189 countries. Additional connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines.
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