In order to capitalise on rising traffic from India onboard its aircraft, Turkish Airlines has introduced a new ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ programme in the Indian market with free stays.

Turkish Airlines, the national airline of Türkiye, has introduced a ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ programme in India.

According to the airline, this new launch is set to provide passengers with the opportunity to explore Istanbul during layovers. The airline says that travellers can benefit from free accommodation in select partner hotels.

The airline says that the surge in travel interest among Indians after the pandemic has resulted in a significant uptick in visits to European destinations, attributed to evolving travel preferences, improved connectivity and enticing bundled travel packages.

With its “Stopover in Istanbul” programme in India, Turkish Airline says it will provide an additional perk, offering passengers travelling to Europe a complimentary stopover in Istanbul. Passengers with a layover period of at least 20 hours are eligible to participate in the Stopover in Istanbul programme, adds the statement.

“We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experiences of our Indian passengers. Our ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ program underscores our commitment to providing exceptional services. Through complimentary stays in our partner hotels, we invite Indian travellers to discover the vibrant charm of Istanbul during their layovers, enriching their journey with cultural immersion and memorable moments,” says Turkish Airlines Director of Sales, Mahmut Yayla.

The airline says that vouchers for the free stay are issued upon completion of the application process. Travellers can now make a reservation by providing the necessary details, including name, reservation code (PNR), ticket number, preferred accommodation dates, room type, telephone number, and email address.

As an additional complimentary service, Turkish Airlines says it offers Touristanbul, a free layover service for all international transfer passengers with a layover time of 6-24 hours. Travellers can choose from a selection of tours tailored to their flight schedule, exploring the iconic historical sites of Istanbul, and savouring authentic Turkish cuisine.

The statement adds that Turkish Airlines’ Stopover Accommodation service is available at 108 destinations across 42 countries including India. Business class passengers enjoy a two-night stay in a 5-star hotel, while economy class passengers are offered one night in a 4-star hotel.