From the Sublime to the Bazaar: Flying Dublin to Istanbul in Style with Turkish Airlines

ITTN’s Julia Labedz recently travelled to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, flying on the 15:30pm service from Dublin, which landed smoothly at Istanbul Airport at 23:00 local time.

The flight was comfortable and seamless, with attentive service, generous seat space, and a good selection of inflight entertainment options, making the journey feel noticeably shorter. Turkish Airlines operates regular direct flights between Dublin and Istanbul, currently offering up to 14 services a week. The quick, efficient route makes Istanbul an easily accessible city for Irish travellers looking for both business and leisure opportunities.

Flying with Turkish Airlines from Dublin to Istanbul is a pleasant and well-rounded travel experience, marked by comfort, quality service, and attentive hospitality.

The route is typically operated by narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A321 or Boeing 737. Despite being a medium-haul route, the airline maintains high service standards that often exceed expectations.

From the moment of check-in at Dublin Airport, the experience is smooth and professional. Turkish Airlines’ ground staff are courteous and efficient, helping passengers with any questions and ensuring that the boarding process is handled with minimal delays. The airline’s commitment to service is evident even before stepping onboard.

Once onboard, passengers are welcomed by friendly and neatly presented cabin crew, known for their warmth and traditional Turkish hospitality. Turkish Airlines prides itself on the cultural authenticity and professionalism of its staff, and this is evident throughout the flight. Announcements are clear and offered in both Turkish and English, and the crew are attentive without being intrusive.

Seating in Economy Class is comfortable for the roughly four-hour flight. Leg-room is above average compared to many European carriers, and the seats are well-cushioned, with adjustable headrests and USB ports for charging devices. For those flying in Business Class, the experience is more elevated, with larger seats, priority boarding, and lounge access.

One of Turkish Airlines’ standout features is its inflight catering, even on shorter international routes. Passengers are served a hot meal shortly after take-off, with a choice of main dishes typically including a meat and a vegetarian option. Meals are prepared by DO & CO, the airline’s catering partner, and include a small appetizer, bread, dessert, and beverage options including Turkish tea and coffee. The quality of the meal is consistently praised for both presentation and taste, and reflects Turkish cuisine with subtle international touches.

Entertainment options are available via individual seat-back screens, offering a broad selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games to help pass the time.

Overall, Turkish Airlines delivers a superior flying experience from Dublin to Istanbul. The combination of comfortable seating, quality meals, and warm, attentive service makes it a preferred choice for travelers heading to Turkey or connecting to destinations across the airline’s vast global network.

In Business Class, passengers enjoy priority check-in, fast-track security, and lounge access at Dublin Airport, ensuring a relaxed start to the journey. Onboard, spacious lie-flat seats, ample legroom, and personal privacy allow for rest or productivity. The gourmet dining experience features a menu curated by top chefs, with Turkish and international cuisine served on porcelain tableware. The in-flight entertainment system offers a wide selection of movies, music, and games on large HD screens.

Economy Class passengers are also well-catered for, with ergonomically designed seats that offer good recline and adjustable headrests. A personal entertainment system provides a variety of content to help pass the time, and complimentary meals include Turkish and Western options, served with warm hospitality. Turkish Airlines is also known for offering small extras, like amenity kits on longer flights and attentive service that adds to the overall comfort.

Whether flying for business or leisure, Turkish Airlines ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey from Dublin to Istanbul, with a strong emphasis on quality service and Turkish hospitality.