Easyjet to start flights to Istanbul

Easyjet has announced that it will start flights between London Luton and Istanbul from the beginning of August.

The low-fares airline plans to fly three times a week to Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen international airport in August, increasing to four times weekly in September.

Easyet already flies to Istanbul from Basel, but the Luton flights will be the airline's first direct connection to Istanbul from the UK.

One way fares will start from £30.99 including taxes, with return fares starting at £60.98.

"Istanbul is the only city in the world that embraces two continents – Europe and Asia – and is a spellbinding combination of past and present," said Easyjet's Philippe Vignon.

"Once the capital of three successive empires – the East Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman – the city has unique historical and cultural traditions with a captivating array of attractions including bazaars, palaces, sights of natural beauty and the world famous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque."

Sabiha Gokcen international airport is located on the Asian side of the Turkish city, and is only seven miles from the suburb of Pendik. It takes a little longer to reach the European centre of Istanbul, which is 28 miles from the airport.

For accommodation, tourists should consider the Four Seasons Istanbul, which was voted the top hotel in Europe by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

To book flights go to www.easyjet.com

For more information on Sabiha Gokcen international airport, see: www.sgairport.com XXX