AJet Airlines has officially launched direct flights from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. This new route, operated by a Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, aims to enhance connectivity between the two capitals and bolster international travel options from Ankara.
Inaugural Flight and Schedule Details
The first flight, VF595, departed from Ankara on April 2, 2026, carrying passengers directly to Bucharest. AJet Airlines will operate on this route three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing regular service for both business and leisure travelers.
Key Figures Attend Launch Ceremony
A ceremony was held to commemorate the inaugural flight, attended by several prominent figures. These included Cem Afşin Akbay, Ankara Esenboğa Airport’s Chief Administrative Officer; Yücel Karadavut, DHMİ Esenboğa Chief Manager; Kerem Sarp, AJet Airlines General Manager; Nuray Demirer, TAV Ankara General Manager; and Gürsel Baran, ATO President. Airport and airline staff, along with invited guests, also participated in the event, highlighting the importance of this new international connection.
Ankara Esenboğa Airport’s Growing Network
With the addition of the Bucharest route, Ankara Esenboğa Airport now offers direct flights to 42 cities across 28 countries internationally, alongside 35 domestic destinations. The airport, which serves 18 airlines, handled 13,987,298 passengers in 2025. In the first two months of this year, passenger traffic increased by 10 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 2,276,348 passengers.
TAV Ankara Expresses Satisfaction
Nuray Demirer, General Manager of TAV Ankara, expressed great satisfaction with the resumption of direct flights between Ankara and Bucharest after a three-year hiatus. She emphasized the airport’s commitment to expanding Ankara’s connectivity to more destinations in collaboration with its stakeholders.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The re-establishment of this direct air link is expected to have a positive impact on economic and tourism ties between Turkey and Romania. It will facilitate easier travel for business professionals, tourists, and cultural exchange participants, potentially leading to increased trade and investment opportunities. The convenience of direct travel is also likely to boost tourism between the two nations, allowing more people to explore the historical and cultural attractions of Ankara and Bucharest.
Future Outlook for Ankara Esenboğa
The continuous expansion of Ankara Esenboğa Airport’s international network underscores its growing role as a significant hub in the region. The airport’s management, in conjunction with airline partners, is focused on further enhancing its offerings and passenger services to meet the increasing demand for air travel. This strategic growth is crucial for Ankara’s development as an international city and for strengthening its global connections.
The reintroduction of the Ankara-Bucharest route is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and travel options for residents and visitors of Ankara, solidifying its position on the international aviation map.
Source: https://www.haberturk.com/ankara-esenboga-havalimani-ndan-bukres-e-direkt-ucuslar-basladi-3874376-ekonomi
