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United Arab Emirates
AED

Cheap flights to Istanbul

— IST
8 Nov — 15 Nov1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Find flight deals to Istanbul

Popular in

May

Cheapest in

February

Average price

AED 1,307
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 20% potential increase in price (AED 391 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 5% potential price decrease (AED 79 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for return flights in October 2026
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Best time to book a flight to Istanbul

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Istanbul with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight to Istanbul

When is the best time to book a flight to Istanbul?

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight to Istanbul, you should look to book at least 89 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Istanbul?

Users looking for the lowest fares to Istanbul should consider flying on Tuesday mornings, when prices are typically cheapest. Budget-minded travellers will want to avoid Tuesday afternoons, when prices are usually at their highest.

Reviews of airlines servicing Istanbul

Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Emirates,Kuwait Airways, andPegasus Airlines to Türkiye (Turkey) by reading reviews from past customers. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.4

Boarding

8.2

Food

7.9

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Milind,Aug 2026

DXB - SFO

Subject: Disappointing Experience Relative to Your Premium Brand I chose your airline because of its reputation as a premium carrier and was willing to pay a significant premium for that experience. Unfortunately, several aspects of my journey fell well short of the standard I expected. Airport Experience At check-in, I was initially directed to the regular line and then told to move to the U.S. line, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion. I attempted to purchase a Business Class upgrade for my wife, who was traveling in Premium Economy. I was directed to a reservations desk that was unattended. After searching for another service window and waiting approximately 15 minutes, I eventually gave up. This was a frustrating experience that should have been much easier to navigate. Onboard Experience The lounge experience was excellent and is one of the highlights of the journey. Once onboard, I tried again to upgrade my wife to Business Class. I was quoted approximately $1,500 for a single flight segment, which was difficult to justify. What was even more frustrating was discovering later that several Business Class seats remained empty. It seems counterproductive to let seats go unused rather than offer a more reasonable last-minute upgrade option. Had the price been more aligned with market realities, my wife could have traveled with me in Business Class and both the airline and the customer would have benefited. The inflight entertainment was disappointing. The quality of the system and the selection of English-language movies were well below what I would expect from a premium international airline. I spent much of the flight unable to find suitable content. During the final meal service before landing, I was never offered a meal despite being awake and attentive. While I have no doubt the crew would have provided one had I specifically requested it, I do not believe customers should have to ask to receive a standard meal service. What Worked Well The chauffeur/car pickup service at all locations was excellent and consistently met expectations. The lounge experience was also very good. Loyalty Program One factor that makes it difficult for me to remain loyal is that your frequent flyer program is not integrated into one of the major global mileage ecosystems in the same way airlines such as United participate in broader alliances. Given your premium pricing and limited route network relative to larger carriers, consolidating miles and status benefits across multiple airlines is an important consideration for travelers like me. Overall Impression This was not an inexpensive trip. In fact, given recent geopolitical concerns in the region, choosing this routing required a degree of trust and willingness to accept additional travel risk. Unfortunately, the overall experience did not justify either the premium price or that trust. When I combine the airport issues, upgrade frustrations, entertainment shortcomings, missed meal service, and loyalty limitations, I cannot say I received the level of experience your brand promises. As things stand today, I am unlikely to choose your airline again, and my wife is already encouraging me to consider alternatives for my next international trip in December. I share this feedback because I believe your airline has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience, but this journey fell significantly short of that expectation.
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.4

Boarding

8.2

Food

7.9

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Milind,Aug 2026

DXB - SFO

Subject: Disappointing Experience Relative to Your Premium Brand I chose your airline because of its reputation as a premium carrier and was willing to pay a significant premium for that experience. Unfortunately, several aspects of my journey fell well short of the standard I expected. Airport Experience At check-in, I was initially directed to the regular line and then told to move to the U.S. line, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion. I attempted to purchase a Business Class upgrade for my wife, who was traveling in Premium Economy. I was directed to a reservations desk that was unattended. After searching for another service window and waiting approximately 15 minutes, I eventually gave up. This was a frustrating experience that should have been much easier to navigate. Onboard Experience The lounge experience was excellent and is one of the highlights of the journey. Once onboard, I tried again to upgrade my wife to Business Class. I was quoted approximately $1,500 for a single flight segment, which was difficult to justify. What was even more frustrating was discovering later that several Business Class seats remained empty. It seems counterproductive to let seats go unused rather than offer a more reasonable last-minute upgrade option. Had the price been more aligned with market realities, my wife could have traveled with me in Business Class and both the airline and the customer would have benefited. The inflight entertainment was disappointing. The quality of the system and the selection of English-language movies were well below what I would expect from a premium international airline. I spent much of the flight unable to find suitable content. During the final meal service before landing, I was never offered a meal despite being awake and attentive. While I have no doubt the crew would have provided one had I specifically requested it, I do not believe customers should have to ask to receive a standard meal service. What Worked Well The chauffeur/car pickup service at all locations was excellent and consistently met expectations. The lounge experience was also very good. Loyalty Program One factor that makes it difficult for me to remain loyal is that your frequent flyer program is not integrated into one of the major global mileage ecosystems in the same way airlines such as United participate in broader alliances. Given your premium pricing and limited route network relative to larger carriers, consolidating miles and status benefits across multiple airlines is an important consideration for travelers like me. Overall Impression This was not an inexpensive trip. In fact, given recent geopolitical concerns in the region, choosing this routing required a degree of trust and willingness to accept additional travel risk. Unfortunately, the overall experience did not justify either the premium price or that trust. When I combine the airport issues, upgrade frustrations, entertainment shortcomings, missed meal service, and loyalty limitations, I cannot say I received the level of experience your brand promises. As things stand today, I am unlikely to choose your airline again, and my wife is already encouraging me to consider alternatives for my next international trip in December. I share this feedback because I believe your airline has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience, but this journey fell significantly short of that expectation.
Kuwait Airways
7.1
Good
348 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.4

Boarding

8.2

Food

7.9

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Milind,Aug 2026

DXB - SFO

Subject: Disappointing Experience Relative to Your Premium Brand I chose your airline because of its reputation as a premium carrier and was willing to pay a significant premium for that experience. Unfortunately, several aspects of my journey fell well short of the standard I expected. Airport Experience At check-in, I was initially directed to the regular line and then told to move to the U.S. line, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion. I attempted to purchase a Business Class upgrade for my wife, who was traveling in Premium Economy. I was directed to a reservations desk that was unattended. After searching for another service window and waiting approximately 15 minutes, I eventually gave up. This was a frustrating experience that should have been much easier to navigate. Onboard Experience The lounge experience was excellent and is one of the highlights of the journey. Once onboard, I tried again to upgrade my wife to Business Class. I was quoted approximately $1,500 for a single flight segment, which was difficult to justify. What was even more frustrating was discovering later that several Business Class seats remained empty. It seems counterproductive to let seats go unused rather than offer a more reasonable last-minute upgrade option. Had the price been more aligned with market realities, my wife could have traveled with me in Business Class and both the airline and the customer would have benefited. The inflight entertainment was disappointing. The quality of the system and the selection of English-language movies were well below what I would expect from a premium international airline. I spent much of the flight unable to find suitable content. During the final meal service before landing, I was never offered a meal despite being awake and attentive. While I have no doubt the crew would have provided one had I specifically requested it, I do not believe customers should have to ask to receive a standard meal service. What Worked Well The chauffeur/car pickup service at all locations was excellent and consistently met expectations. The lounge experience was also very good. Loyalty Program One factor that makes it difficult for me to remain loyal is that your frequent flyer program is not integrated into one of the major global mileage ecosystems in the same way airlines such as United participate in broader alliances. Given your premium pricing and limited route network relative to larger carriers, consolidating miles and status benefits across multiple airlines is an important consideration for travelers like me. Overall Impression This was not an inexpensive trip. In fact, given recent geopolitical concerns in the region, choosing this routing required a degree of trust and willingness to accept additional travel risk. Unfortunately, the overall experience did not justify either the premium price or that trust. When I combine the airport issues, upgrade frustrations, entertainment shortcomings, missed meal service, and loyalty limitations, I cannot say I received the level of experience your brand promises. As things stand today, I am unlikely to choose your airline again, and my wife is already encouraging me to consider alternatives for my next international trip in December. I share this feedback because I believe your airline has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience, but this journey fell significantly short of that expectation.
Pegasus Airlines
6.6
Okay
613 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.4

Boarding

8.2

Food

7.9

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Milind,Aug 2026

DXB - SFO

Subject: Disappointing Experience Relative to Your Premium Brand I chose your airline because of its reputation as a premium carrier and was willing to pay a significant premium for that experience. Unfortunately, several aspects of my journey fell well short of the standard I expected. Airport Experience At check-in, I was initially directed to the regular line and then told to move to the U.S. line, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion. I attempted to purchase a Business Class upgrade for my wife, who was traveling in Premium Economy. I was directed to a reservations desk that was unattended. After searching for another service window and waiting approximately 15 minutes, I eventually gave up. This was a frustrating experience that should have been much easier to navigate. Onboard Experience The lounge experience was excellent and is one of the highlights of the journey. Once onboard, I tried again to upgrade my wife to Business Class. I was quoted approximately $1,500 for a single flight segment, which was difficult to justify. What was even more frustrating was discovering later that several Business Class seats remained empty. It seems counterproductive to let seats go unused rather than offer a more reasonable last-minute upgrade option. Had the price been more aligned with market realities, my wife could have traveled with me in Business Class and both the airline and the customer would have benefited. The inflight entertainment was disappointing. The quality of the system and the selection of English-language movies were well below what I would expect from a premium international airline. I spent much of the flight unable to find suitable content. During the final meal service before landing, I was never offered a meal despite being awake and attentive. While I have no doubt the crew would have provided one had I specifically requested it, I do not believe customers should have to ask to receive a standard meal service. What Worked Well The chauffeur/car pickup service at all locations was excellent and consistently met expectations. The lounge experience was also very good. Loyalty Program One factor that makes it difficult for me to remain loyal is that your frequent flyer program is not integrated into one of the major global mileage ecosystems in the same way airlines such as United participate in broader alliances. Given your premium pricing and limited route network relative to larger carriers, consolidating miles and status benefits across multiple airlines is an important consideration for travelers like me. Overall Impression This was not an inexpensive trip. In fact, given recent geopolitical concerns in the region, choosing this routing required a degree of trust and willingness to accept additional travel risk. Unfortunately, the overall experience did not justify either the premium price or that trust. When I combine the airport issues, upgrade frustrations, entertainment shortcomings, missed meal service, and loyalty limitations, I cannot say I received the level of experience your brand promises. As things stand today, I am unlikely to choose your airline again, and my wife is already encouraging me to consider alternatives for my next international trip in December. I share this feedback because I believe your airline has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience, but this journey fell significantly short of that expectation.
flydubai
6.6
Okay
146 reviews
Emirates
8.1
Very Good
3,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.4

Boarding

8.2

Food

7.9

Overall

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Entertainment

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
4.0
Okay

Milind,Aug 2026

DXB - SFO

Subject: Disappointing Experience Relative to Your Premium Brand I chose your airline because of its reputation as a premium carrier and was willing to pay a significant premium for that experience. Unfortunately, several aspects of my journey fell well short of the standard I expected. Airport Experience At check-in, I was initially directed to the regular line and then told to move to the U.S. line, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion. I attempted to purchase a Business Class upgrade for my wife, who was traveling in Premium Economy. I was directed to a reservations desk that was unattended. After searching for another service window and waiting approximately 15 minutes, I eventually gave up. This was a frustrating experience that should have been much easier to navigate. Onboard Experience The lounge experience was excellent and is one of the highlights of the journey. Once onboard, I tried again to upgrade my wife to Business Class. I was quoted approximately $1,500 for a single flight segment, which was difficult to justify. What was even more frustrating was discovering later that several Business Class seats remained empty. It seems counterproductive to let seats go unused rather than offer a more reasonable last-minute upgrade option. Had the price been more aligned with market realities, my wife could have traveled with me in Business Class and both the airline and the customer would have benefited. The inflight entertainment was disappointing. The quality of the system and the selection of English-language movies were well below what I would expect from a premium international airline. I spent much of the flight unable to find suitable content. During the final meal service before landing, I was never offered a meal despite being awake and attentive. While I have no doubt the crew would have provided one had I specifically requested it, I do not believe customers should have to ask to receive a standard meal service. What Worked Well The chauffeur/car pickup service at all locations was excellent and consistently met expectations. The lounge experience was also very good. Loyalty Program One factor that makes it difficult for me to remain loyal is that your frequent flyer program is not integrated into one of the major global mileage ecosystems in the same way airlines such as United participate in broader alliances. Given your premium pricing and limited route network relative to larger carriers, consolidating miles and status benefits across multiple airlines is an important consideration for travelers like me. Overall Impression This was not an inexpensive trip. In fact, given recent geopolitical concerns in the region, choosing this routing required a degree of trust and willingness to accept additional travel risk. Unfortunately, the overall experience did not justify either the premium price or that trust. When I combine the airport issues, upgrade frustrations, entertainment shortcomings, missed meal service, and loyalty limitations, I cannot say I received the level of experience your brand promises. As things stand today, I am unlikely to choose your airline again, and my wife is already encouraging me to consider alternatives for my next international trip in December. I share this feedback because I believe your airline has the potential to deliver a truly exceptional experience, but this journey fell significantly short of that expectation.

FAQs about flying to Istanbul

  • Can I find cheaper flights to Istanbul if I am willing to have stopovers?

    Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Istanbul on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

  • What is the best airline to fly to Istanbul?

    Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Emirates is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Istanbul.

  • How much is a return flight to Istanbul?

    A return flight to Istanbul will typically cost around AED 841, however they can be found for as little as AED 337.

  • Where does the fastest flight to Istanbul depart from?

    For those looking to save time traveling to Istanbul, Sharjah offers the quickest one-way flight (4 hours 40 minutes).

  • Does Istanbul have rental cars?

    Yes. Those touching down at Istanbul can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

  • Are there hotels close to Istanbul?

    Yes. Istanbul has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Ambassador Spa & Beauty Airport Lounge is the closest property to Istanbul (0.0 km away from Istanbul).

See more FAQs

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