AJet Air Bridge Aims to Add $1.5B to Türkiye Health Tourism

Türkiye’s AJet Aims to Serve as ‘Air Bridge’ for Health Tourism

ISTANBUL — Dec. 21, 2025

Türkiye’s low-cost carrier AJet aims to strengthen the country’s health tourism sector by building a strong “air bridge” and contributing an additional $1.5 billion to annual revenues, according to Ahmet Bolat, chairperson of the Board of Turkish Airlines and AJet.

Bolat shared details on the airline’s 2025 performance, future targets and strategic vision during a press briefing at AJet’s headquarters in Istanbul. The meeting was attended by AJet CEO Kerem Sarp and senior executives, the company said in a statement.

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Targeting a Global Health Tourism Brand

Focusing on health tourism, Bolat said AJet is developing projects targeting foreign patients traveling to Türkiye, particularly for dental and eye treatments. “We want to turn Türkiye into a global brand in this field,” he said.

As part of the initiative, AJet plans to cooperate with health institutions to offer package programs combining medical treatment, accommodation and flights for international patients. Bolat noted that Türkiye has:

• 44 internationally accredited hospitals.
• 13 accredited hospitals on Istanbul’s Anatolian side, five in Ankara.
• 2,000 healthcare institutions and 500 dental clinics affiliated with the Services Exporters’ Association.

“Passengers from Europe and the Middle East will receive treatment, enjoy a holiday, and return home. We will not only transport passengers but also actively contribute to health tourism by building a strong air bridge.”

Bolat added that the goal is to increase the sector’s annual revenue, currently around $3.5 billion.

Financial Goal: AJet aims to add $1.5 billion in annual revenue to Türkiye's health tourism sector.

Operational Excellence and Fleet Growth

Bolat also highlighted AJet’s operational performance, stating that the airline achieved an on-time departure rate of 80% in 2025, well above the Eurocontrol regional average of 69%.

Service Update: From January, water served in cups on international flights will be free of charge.

Regarding fleet development, Bolat said AJet continues to grow with a focus on sustainability and new-generation aircraft.

• 2026: Fleet to reach 107 aircraft, 76% new-generation.
• 2027: Fleet to expand to 125 aircraft, 82% new-generation.
• 2033: Long-term goal of a fully new-generation fleet of 200 aircraft.

Safety Certification and Network Expansion

Bolat announced that AJet has successfully obtained the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, a significant milestone achieved before completing its second year of operations. With the certification secured, AJet’s membership process with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has officially begun.

In terms of network expansion:

• 2025: Launched 20 new international routes.
• 2026: Plans to open 23 additional international routes (15 from Istanbul, 8 from Ankara).
• Current: Serves 100 destinations in 34 countries.
• 2026 Target: 108 destinations in 37 countries.
• 2033 Target: 199 destinations in 56 countries.

New Hubs and Passenger Services

Bolat added that AJet primarily operates from Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul and Esenboğa Airport in Ankara, with Milas-Bodrum Airport set to become the airline’s third hub in the summer 2026 season. Direct flights from Bodrum are planned to 23 domestic and international destinations.

He also shared updates on the construction of a new Fast Track and CIP area at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which is expected to open by mid-summer.

New Service: The introductory price for the Sabiha Gökçen Fast Track/CIP service is planned at approximately $30.