Turkish Airlines has been offering free city and studio tours to international passengers with long layovers at Istanbul Airport, turning a wait between flights into a chance to see part of the city.
The program is designed for travelers with six to 24 hours between flights. Instead of spending the entire connection inside the terminal, eligible passengers can join organized visits that highlight Istanbul and, in some cases, local film-production sites.
For many Turkish American travelers, Istanbul is the main gateway to Türkiye and a common transfer point on trips between the United States and other destinations. That makes layover options more than a novelty—they can affect comfort, fatigue, and how memorable a trip feels.
The service also reflects how Istanbul continues to position itself as a global aviation hub, where a long connection can be part of the travel experience rather than just downtime.
Travelers considering a transit tour should check eligibility rules, connection length, and timing carefully before booking a ticket.
Source credit: This news brief is based on reporting from Anadolu Agency.
Original headline: Türkiye’s flag carrier Turkish Airlines offers transit passengers free tours of Istanbul, film studio
Original publication date: 2025-07-08
Original source: Read the original article.