ANA (All Nippon Airways) is launching a new route from Japan to Istanbul

As the number of visitors from Turkey to Japan increased by 105%, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced that it would launch a new route from Haneda to Istanbul. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported that the number of visitors from Turkey to Japan in the first half of 2024 had risen by 105.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching 29,000.

In the first six months of 2024, Japan welcomed 17.77 million visitors. According to JNTO, this figure represents a 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2019 and a 65.9% increase compared to 2023, indicating a strong recovery and growing interest in Japan as a travel destination.

ANA to launch a new route from Haneda to Istanbul

With the growing number of visitors from Turkey to Japan, All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced that it would strengthen travel connections by opening a new route from Tokyo-Haneda to Istanbul starting February 12, 2025. Istanbul will become the first Turkish city served by ANA’s scheduled flights. The airline plans to operate three flights a week.

“We are expecting more Turkish visitors to Japan”

In a statement, Kobayashi Daisuke, Administrative Director of the JNTO Dubai Office, expressed excitement about welcoming a record number of Turkish tourists, especially as Japan and Turkey celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He noted that the sharp increase in visitors from Turkey reflects Japan’s growing appeal as a travel destination for Turkish travelers. This rise is largely attributed to increased seat availability on Turkish Airlines and JNTO’s active promotional efforts. Japan’s visa exemption for Turkish citizens also makes it an especially attractive destination.