Which airlines fly to Istanbul?

Qatar Airways is the airline most momondo users in South Africa opt for when booking flights to Istanbul. Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Air are also popular choices when flying to Istanbul from South Africa. Most major airlines flying from South Africa to Istanbul will offer flights on a regular basis, though your options may vary depending on what airport you fly from.

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in South Africa, such as Johannesburg OR Tambo or Cape Town Intl, and flying into Istanbul, then you can expect flight times to average 9h 45m and 11h 20m, respectively.

R4 272 Cheap Flights to Istanbul in 2025

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Find the cheapest flights from South Africa to Istanbul

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap return flights

9:50 - 13:05JNB-IST

26h 15m1 stop

14:10 - 8:20IST-JNB

19h 10m1 stop

R9 420Etihad Airways

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Thu, Oct 9 - Thu, Oct 23

9:50 - 6:25JNB-IST

19h 35m1 stop

14:00 - 8:20IST-JNB

19h 20m1 stop

R9 437Etihad Airways

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Tue, Oct 28 - Mon, Nov 3

13:55 - 18:45JNB-SAW

27h 50m1 stop

20:05 - 16:10SAW-JNB

21h 05m1 stop

R9 735Qatar Airways

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Thu, Oct 9 - Thu, Oct 23

13:55 - 18:45JNB-SAW

27h 50m1 stop

13:35 - 16:10SAW-JNB

27h 35m1 stop

R9 805Qatar Airways

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Thu, Oct 9 - Thu, Oct 23

8:20 - 21:20JNB-IST

12h 00m1 stop

23:55 - 13:05IST-JNB

14h 10m1 stop

R10 068Ethiopian Air

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Thu, Feb 5 - Mon, Feb 16

8:20 - 21:10JNB-IST

11h 50m1 stop

7:35 - 20:10IST-JNB

13h 35m1 stop

R10 558Ethiopian Air

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Thu, Oct 16 - Thu, Oct 30

18:40 - 14:25DUR-IST

18h 45m1 stop

19:25 - 16:35IST-DUR

22h 10m1 stop

R11 819Emirates

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Sun, Sep 21 - Sun, Sep 28

13:40 - 14:25CPT-IST

23h 45m1 stop

20:05 - 16:45IST-CPT

21h 40m1 stop

R11 994Emirates

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Mon, Nov 3 - Mon, Nov 17

17:15 - 5:35CPT-IST

11h 20mdirect

1:55 - 11:50IST-CPT

10h 55mdirect

R12 081Turkish Airlines

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Mon, Nov 3 - Sun, Nov 16

17:15 - 5:35CPT-IST

11h 20mdirect

1:45 - 11:50IST-CPT

11h 05mdirect

R12 659Turkish Airlines

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Tue, Mar 3 - Mon, Apr 13

Fly from

Route

Depart

Return

Price

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - IST

JNBIST

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 9/10

9:50-13:05

1 stop26h 15m

Istanbul

Thu 23/10

14:10-8:20

1 stop19h 10m

R9 420

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - IST

JNBIST

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 28/10

9:50-6:25

1 stop19h 35m

Istanbul

Mon 3/11

14:00-8:20

1 stop19h 20m

R9 437

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - SAW

JNBSAW

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 9/10

13:55-18:45

1 stop27h 50m

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen

Thu 23/10

20:05-16:10

1 stop21h 05m

R9 735

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - SAW

JNBSAW

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 9/10

13:55-18:45

1 stop27h 50m

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen

Thu 23/10

13:35-16:10

1 stop27h 35m

R9 805

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - IST

JNBIST

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 5/2

8:20-21:20

1 stop12h 00m

Istanbul

Mon 16/2

23:55-13:05

1 stop14h 10m

R10 068

JohannesburgIstanbul

JNB - IST

JNBIST

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 16/10

8:20-21:10

1 stop11h 50m

Istanbul

Thu 30/10

7:35-20:10

1 stop13h 35m

R10 558

DurbanIstanbul

DUR - IST

DURIST

Durban King Shaka Intl

Sun 21/9

18:40-14:25

1 stop18h 45m

Istanbul

Sun 28/9

19:25-16:35

1 stop22h 10m

R11 819

Cape TownIstanbul

CPT - IST

CPTIST

Cape Town Intl

Mon 3/11

13:40-14:25

1 stop23h 45m

Istanbul

Mon 17/11

20:05-16:45

1 stop21h 40m

R11 994

Cape TownIstanbul

CPT - IST

CPTIST

Cape Town Intl

Mon 3/11

17:15-5:35

Nonstop11h 20m

Istanbul

Sun 16/11

1:55-11:50

Nonstop10h 55m

R12 081

Cape TownIstanbul

CPT - IST

CPTIST

Cape Town Intl

Tue 3/3

17:15-5:35

Nonstop11h 20m

Istanbul

Mon 13/4

1:45-11:50

Nonstop11h 05m

R12 659

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Istanbul flights insights and trends

Explore insights for your Istanbul flight to craft the best travel plan

Prices

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

In general, February is the cheapest month to fly from South Africa to Istanbul. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around R9 910. If you are unable to visit Istanbul during the month of February, then departing from South Africa during the month March is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around R10 436.

What is the absolute cheapest flight to Istanbul?

The best price found on momondo to Istanbul was R431/pp from Bodrum, which is 86% cheaper than the average flight price to Istanbul. To find the cheapest price to Istanbul from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.

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What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

On average, the least expensive day to fly to Istanbul from South Africa is on a Tuesday. momondo users have found tickets for Tuesday departures for as low as R13 363. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. The most expensive day to fly to Istanbul is Saturday, with ticket prices averaging around R15 013.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

The cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul is in the morning when flights can be purchased for as low as R9 817. Flights in the afternoon are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of R13 872.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Istanbul from South Africa when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Istanbul for around R11 296 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Istanbul from South Africa for as low as R10 821 on momondo.

Cheapest flights to Istanbul

Find the cheapest flights to Istanbul from your nearest city or airport

Find flights from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to Istanbul Airport

CHEAPEST MONTH TO FLY TO ISTANBUL FROM JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT	February	13% cheaper	Flying from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to Istanbul costs on average just R9 910 in February
MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH TO FLY TO ISTANBUL FROM JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT	December	24% more expensive	It costs about R14 077 for flights to Istanbul from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport in December
MOST POPULAR MONTH TO FLY TO ISTANBUL FROM JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT	September	336% more users visited	More momondo users searched in flights to Istanbul from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport in September than any other month

Cheap Istanbul flight deals and tips

Summary info about Istanbul flight prices, duration and airlines

Best One-Way Price	R4 272
Best Round-Trip Price	R9 420
Fastest flight time	16h 15m
Popular in	December

The best one-way flight price to Istanbul from South Africa in the last 72 hours is R4 272 (Cape Town Intl to Istanbul).

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The best round-trip flight price to Istanbul from South Africa in the last 72 hours is R9 420 (Johannesburg OR Tambo to Istanbul).

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The fastest flight to Istanbul from South Africa takes 16h 15m (Cape Town Intl to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen).

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December has the highest demand for flights to Istanbul, with a 2% price increase on average.

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Frequently asked questions about flying to Istanbul

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

We recommend purchasing flights from South Africa to Istanbul 55 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Istanbul for R11 296.

Is there an alternative airport near Istanbul?

Finding an alternative and possibly cheaper destination airport near Istanbul is possible. If you are planning a flight to Istanbul, consider booking flights to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (32 km from Istanbul city centre), Tekirdag Corlu Airport (89 km from Istanbul city centre), İzmit Cengiz Topel Airport (99 km from Istanbul city centre) or Bursa Yenişehir Airport (99 km from Istanbul city centre).

Is there a cheaper alternative to flying into Istanbul?

With an average price of R3 085 per person, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport is the cheapest airport to fly into when planning your trip to Istanbul. This price can fluctuate based on where you are flying from. momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool can help users find the best prices.

Are there flights to Besiktas?

Yes, if you fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul which is the closest available airport to Besiktas (30,4 km away).

What’s the closest airport to Istanbul City Centre?

At 31,2 km away, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport in Istanbul is the closest to Istanbul City Centre.

When did momondo last update prices for flights to Istanbul?

Prices for flights to Istanbul refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights to Istanbul?

There are 18 operators available for flights to Istanbul as of September 2025.

How old do you have to be to fly to Istanbul?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and stopovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel to Istanbul.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Istanbul?

The necessary travel and health documents for your Istanbul trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal to Istanbul?

Finding the right flight to Istanbul is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. These options can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to Istanbul quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights to Istanbul with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for flights to Istanbul to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights to Istanbul?

momondo offers useful filters to help you find the right flight. Choose specific flight times, airports or even what payment method you prefer. We have numerous options to help you book your ideal flight to Istanbul.

I’m not ready to book a flight to Istanbul right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

If you are not ready to book a flight to Istanbul now, use our insights above to find helpful tips or alternatively set up a price alert; this is where momondo will track prices on flights to Istanbul and let you know when they change.

An easier way to manage your Istanbul trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

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Popular Flights to Istanbul

Johannesburg to Istanbul Flightsfrom R534

Cape Town Intl to Istanbul Flightsfrom R552

Durban King Shaka Intl to Istanbul Flightsfrom R605

R4 272 Cheap flights to Istanbul

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to Istanbul departing on 3/10. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

Big names, great deals

Big names, great deals

Filter for what you want

Filter for what you want

Trusted and free

Trusted and free

Price Alerts

Price Alerts

Find the cheapest flights from South Africa to Istanbul

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Recent direct flight deals from South Africa to Istanbul

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Use the filters below to find and compare flights to Istanbul that are best for you.

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Istanbul flights insights and trends

Explore insights for your Istanbul flight to craft the best travel plan

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

What is the absolute cheapest flight to Istanbul?

The best price found on momondo to Istanbul was R431/pp from Bodrum, which is 86% cheaper than the average flight price to Istanbul. To find the cheapest price to Istanbul from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.

See prices from:

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Istanbul?

The cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul is in the morning when flights can be purchased for as low as R9 817. Flights in the afternoon are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of R13 872.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

If you’re flying from a popular airport in South Africa, such as Johannesburg OR Tambo or Cape Town Intl, and flying into Istanbul, then you can expect flight times to average 9h 45m and 11h 20m, respectively.

Cheapest flights to Istanbul

Find the cheapest flights to Istanbul from your nearest city or airport

Cheap Istanbul flight deals and tips

Summary info about Istanbul flight prices, duration and airlines

Best One-Way Price

Best Round-Trip Price

Fastest flight time

Popular in

Frequently asked questions about flying to Istanbul

How far in advance should I book a flight to Istanbul?

Is there an alternative airport near Istanbul?

Is there a cheaper alternative to flying into Istanbul?

Are there flights to Besiktas?

What’s the closest airport to Istanbul City Centre?

When did momondo last update prices for flights to Istanbul?

How many operators does momondo search for flights to Istanbul?

How old do you have to be to fly to Istanbul?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Istanbul?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal to Istanbul?

Can I find flights to Istanbul with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights to Istanbul?

I’m not ready to book a flight to Istanbul right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Istanbul trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to Istanbul

Popular Flights to Istanbul

Popular routes according to searches in the past day on momondo