Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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 R10 648 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 144 on momondo.

Question 2

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

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 512. If you are unable to visit Istanbul during the month of February, then departing from South Africa during the month November is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around R9 595.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The cheapest time of day to fly to Istanbul is in the evening when flights can be purchased for as low as R12 416. Flights in the afternoon are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of R12 912.

Question 4

What is the cheapest South Africa to Istanbul flight route?

Accepted Answer

Fly from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Istanbul for the best South Africa - Istanbul flight prices

Question 5

What cabin class options are available on South Africa to Istanbul flights?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on South Africa to Istanbul flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Question 6

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How many flights depart from South Africa to Istanbul on average per day?

Accepted Answer

The number of flights available between South Africa and Istanbul is 5 per day as of December 2025. The most frequent departure time is 17:00, with 63% of daily flights leaving in the afternoon.

Question 8

What is the most punctual flight time for South Africa to Istanbul flights?

Accepted Answer

Generally, flights departing in the evening tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the morning have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

Question 9

Which airlines fly to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Istanbul from South Africa according to our data. Qatar Airways is the first choice among our users, with 52% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to Istanbul. Keep in mind that there are 10 different airlines that fly to Istanbul on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

Question 10

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Accepted Answer

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Saturday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Question 11

How often are flights from South Africa to Istanbul delayed?

Accepted Answer

Historically, on average around 8% of flights between South Africa and Istanbul have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 147 minutes.

Question 12

Which airline has the best punctuality record on South Africa to Istanbul flights?

Accepted Answer

According to our data, Turkish Airlines have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 8% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

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 R12 166. 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 R13 826.

Question 14

What is the cheapest airline that flies from South Africa to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates are the most popular carriers operating from South Africa to Istanbul

Question 15

How many flights depart from South Africa to Istanbul on average per week?

Accepted Answer

37 flights are operational weekly from South Africa to Istanbul as of December 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 19% of flights per week taking off on this day.

Question 16

When did momondo last update prices for flights from South Africa to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

Prices for flights from South Africa to Istanbul were last updated today.

Question 17

How many operators does momondo search for flights from South Africa to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

As of December 2025, there are 10 operators available to choose from for flights from South Africa to Istanbul.

Question 18

How old do you have to be to fly from South Africa to Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from South Africa to Istanbul.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Istanbul can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Istanbul. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Fastest flight time	9h 45m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Istanbul	2 airports

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
KLM	PriceFrom R5 889	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,7 1 435 reviews	Search KLM flights
Etihad Airways	PriceFrom R7 640	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,3 1 348 reviews	Search Etihad Airways flights
Lufthansa	PriceFrom R7 942	Free Cancellation	Rating 6,8 7 675 reviews	Search Lufthansa flights
Qatar Airways	PriceFrom R8 530	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 3 700 reviews	Search Qatar Airways flights
Emirates	PriceFrom R9 182	Free Cancellation	Rating 8,1 3 449 reviews	Search Emirates flights
Ethiopian Air	PriceFrom R9 377	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,2 923 reviews	Search Ethiopian Air flights
Egyptair	PriceFrom R9 575	Free Cancellation	Rating 6,5 391 reviews	Search Egyptair flights
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom R10 428	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,3 4 138 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
Air France	PriceFrom R11 265	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 1 514 reviews	Search Air France flights
RwandAir	PriceFrom R12 914	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,7 37 reviews	Search RwandAir flights

Cheap flights from South Africa to Istanbul from R4 257

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from South Africa to Istanbul departing on 21/1. 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

Recent return flight deals from South Africa to Istanbul

Recent one-way flight deals from South Africa to Istanbul

Recent last minute flight deals from South Africa to Istanbul

Recent direct flight deals from South Africa to Istanbul

Ethiopian Air flights from South Africa to Istanbul

Our best Ethiopian Air deals on South Africa to Istanbul flight tickets

Etihad Airways flights from South Africa to Istanbul

Our best Etihad Airways deals on South Africa to Istanbul flight tickets

momondo Fare Finder

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

See travel insights to Istanbul from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from South Africa to Istanbul

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

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 evening when flights can be purchased for as low as R12 416. Flights in the afternoon are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of R12 912.

What is the cheapest South Africa to Istanbul flight route?

Fly from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Istanbul for the best South Africa - Istanbul flight prices

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

What cabin class options are available on South Africa to Istanbul flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on South Africa to Istanbul flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from South Africa to Istanbul?

Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates are the most popular carriers operating from South Africa to Istanbul

Which airlines fly to Istanbul?

How often are flights from South Africa to Istanbul delayed?

Historically, on average around 8% of flights between South Africa and Istanbul have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 147 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for South Africa to Istanbul flights?

Generally, flights departing in the evening tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the morning have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Saturday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on South Africa to Istanbul flights?

According to our data, Turkish Airlines have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 8% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from South Africa to Istanbul on average per day?

The number of flights available between South Africa and Istanbul is 5 per day as of December 2025. The most frequent departure time is 17:00, with 63% of daily flights leaving in the afternoon.

How many flights depart from South Africa to Istanbul on average per week?

37 flights are operational weekly from South Africa to Istanbul as of December 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 19% of flights per week taking off on this day.

How long does it take to fly to Istanbul?

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

Cheap South Africa to Istanbul flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from South Africa to Istanbul

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Istanbul

When did momondo last update prices for flights from South Africa to Istanbul?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from South Africa to Istanbul?

How old do you have to be to fly from South Africa to Istanbul?

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

Best airlines flying from South Africa to Istanbul

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from South Africa to Istanbul with momondo

Why use momondo?

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

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

How can momondo help me find flights from South Africa to Istanbul?

I’m not ready to book a flight from South Africa 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 Turkey

Fly into one of these airports located in Istanbul

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 33.6 km from Istanbul