All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, has officially commenced direct flights between Istanbul Airport (IGA) and Tokyo Haneda Airport as of February 12, 2025.

Operating with Boeing 787-8 aircraft, ANA’s new route offers three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The aircraft, with a seating capacity of 184, features 32 Business Class, 14 Premium Economy, and 138 Economy Class seats, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.

Extensive Domestic Connectivity from Haneda 

Passengers flying from Istanbul to Tokyo with ANA will benefit from complimentary domestic connections to 40 destinations across Japan, including major cities like Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Fukuoka. This extensive network enhances accessibility for both business and leisure travelers.

Shinichi Inoue, President and CEO of ANA, stated: “Turkey and Japan celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. Last year, 62,100 Turkish visitors traveled to Japan. This new route will further strengthen tourism, trade, and industrial ties between the two nations.”

With these direct flights, ANA aims to establish a strong presence in the Turkish market, operating at an expected load factor of 70-80%.

A Journey Enriched with Japanese Hospitality 

True to the “Omotenashi” philosophy, ANA is dedicated to anticipating passengers’ needs even before they are expressed, delivering a refined and authentic Japanese travel experience. From in-flight services to premium amenities, travelers can immerse themselves in Japanese culture from the moment they board.

ANA’s Global Reach and Excellence

• Operating a modern fleet of 242 aircraft across 109 domestic and 55 international routes.

• The only Japanese airline consistently awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax since 2013.

• Offers the most comprehensive Japan-Europe flight network, covering cities such as Stockholm, London, Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, Munich, Vienna, and Milan.

Experience Japan’s Winter Wonders with ANA

For Turkish travelers, ANA is introducing alternative Blossom season experiences, highlighting southern Japan in January and February as a hidden gem for witnessing cherry blossoms outside the peak travel period. With its millennia-old culture, Japan offers visitors unique experiences even in winter—ranging from the allure of a modern metropolis like Tokyo to the grandeur of Shinto shrines and imperial cities. Winter presents the perfect opportunity to ski on the powder snow of the Hokkaido Peninsula, while also allowing travelers to explore cities and attractions with fewer crowds.

ANA welcomes travelers to Japan for unforgettable experiences, whether it’s attending the Sapporo Snow Festival or the Otaru Light Path Festival, indulging in wellness retreats at mountain hot springs, or admiring the breathtaking Mount Fuji.

In order to  further boost inbound tourism, ANA and Turkish Airlines are collaborating on domestic flights, encouraging Japanese visitors to explore beyond Istanbul and discover Türkiye’s diverse attractions.

Expanding Cargo Operations With the launch of its Istanbul-Tokyo route, ANA aims to strengthen its cargo operations, particularly for the automotive and textile industries. Cargo shipments from Turkey to Japan have increased by 8%, with the country exporting 40% dried food, vegetables, and baked goods, 16% tuna, and 11% ready-to-wear apparel to Japan. ANA’s fleet includes some of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, handling specialized shipments such as satellites, machinery, and even racehorses.

ANA is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through its ANA Future Promise program, which includes:

• Reducing waste and food waste by 50%.

• Taxiing with a single engine post-landing to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

• Washing engines with water to decrease carbon emissions.

• Optimizing flight routes to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

• Utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to cut carbon emissions by 80%.

Recognized for its sustainability efforts, ANA Holdings has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for eight consecutive years and in the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index for nine consecutive years. 

With its commitment to excellence in service, innovation, and sustainability, ANA’s new direct route marks a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Türkiye and Japan.