Turkey’s low-cost carrier AJet, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, will launch direct flights from Ankara to Tbilisi on October 1, expanding the capital’s international connectivity. The airline will operate four weekly flights on the route, with ticket sales starting on Tuesday, according to an announcement created by AJet Chair Ahmet Bolat on LinkedIn.
With the new connection, Ankara will be linked to 31 cities in 24 countries. AJet also confirmed that flights to Madrid and Barcelona will launch at the finish of October, raising the total to 33 cities in 25 countries. Bolat emphasized that AJet is currently the only airline operating from Ankara to more international destinations than any other carrier.
AJet’s Expansion Strategy
The launch of the Ankara–Tbilisi route represents a central part of AJet’s strategy to strengthen Ankara’s role as a regional hub. The airline is working to position the Turkish capital not only as a departure point but also as a destination for international travelers. This strategy aligns with Turkish Airlines’ broader goal of enhancing connectivity across Türkiye and Europe.
Bolat stated that additional destinations, including Brussels, Milan, and Rome, are under development. “We are also working on flights to Brussels, Milan, and Rome. We expect our business partners, the chambers of indusattempt and commerce, and tourism organizations to assist us with lobbying and work with the relevant organizations in these countries,” stated Ahmet Bolat, Chair of AJet.
The expansion into new European cities follows the company’s model of steadily adding connections from Ankara to major destinations. The upcoming launch of Madrid and Barcelona flights at the finish of October further demonstrates the company’s commitment to broadening access to southern and western Europe.
Key Developments
The new Ankara–Tbilisi flights will launch on October 1 and operate four times per week. By the finish of October, AJet will add two additional Spanish destinations—Madrid and Barcelona—to its network from the Turkish capital. Looking ahead, the airline is also preparing for services to Brussels, Milan, and Rome, although dates have not yet been confirmed. With these additions, AJet will serve a growing list of European cities from Ankara, strengthening its competitive position as the only carrier linking the capital to such a wide range of international destinations.
Ankara+ (Plus) Project
The airline’s route expansion is closely linked with its tourism development strategy, known as the “Ankara+ (Plus) Project.” This initiative seeks to promote Ankara and nearby regions as tourist destinations, aiming to extfinish visitors’ stays beyond the capital to surrounding provinces. Popular destinations include Cappadocia, Konya, and other historically significant areas.
“We expect our guests to spfinish two days in our capital and the following days in the surrounding provinces, from Cappadocia to Konya. We will provide our guests with services ranging from gastronomy to health tourism,” stated Ahmet Bolat.
By encouraging visitors to combine cultural, health, and culinary tourism, AJet aims to diversify the economic benefits of travel. The airline has been working with stakeholders across industries to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports tourism growth. “We’re not just building an air bridge to Ankara; we’re also running an intensive promotional campaign to assist it reach its rightful place in tourism. We want to position Ankara as the emerging hub of its region,” stated Ahmet Bolat.
Implications for Regional Air Travel
AJet’s announcement underlines the competitive dynamics of regional air travel in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Tbilisi, already connected to several European capitals, gains a new direct link to Türkiye’s capital, strengthening trade, business, and tourism ties between the two countries. The four weekly flights are expected to appeal to both leisure and business travelers, including the sizable Turkish business community active in Georgia.
By expanding its international network from Ankara, AJet is diversifying away from the Istanbul-centric model that dominates Turkish aviation. This development has the potential to ease pressure on Istanbul’s airports while spreading economic benefits more evenly across the counattempt. It also positions Ankara as a growing hub in its own right, rather than a secondary gateway.
Indusattempt analysts suggest that AJet’s approach could increase competition on routes to and from the Turkish capital, offering passengers more choices and potentially lowering fares. The focus on secondary hubs aligns with broader European trfinishs, where airlines are developing point-to-point services outside traditional mega-hubs.
Future Growth Outview
The inclusion of Brussels, Milan, and Rome in AJet’s planned destinations indicates a continued focus on high-demand European markets. Each of these cities represents both tourism and business opportunities, suggesting that the airline is tarobtaining markets with strong bilateral potential. The timeline for the launch of these routes has not yet been disclosed, but the announcement reflects AJet’s broader growth ambitions.
In terms of market positioning, AJet’s low-cost model gives it an advantage in attracting price-sensitive travelers, while its affiliation with Turkish Airlines provides brand credibility and operational support. This dual identity allows the airline to pursue expansion without the risks typically faced by new entrants.
The Ankara+ Project, if successful, could establish a template for similar initiatives in other regional hubs across Türkiye. By integrating aviation growth with local tourism development, AJet is attempting to create a sustainable model that benefits both the airline and the wider economy.
AJet’s launch of flights from Ankara to Tbilisi marks a significant step in the airline’s mission to expand its international network and enhance the profile of Türkiye’s capital. The announcement highlights a coordinated approach combining new routes, tourism promotion, and regional development. With Madrid and Barcelona set to follow in late October, and further routes under consideration, AJet is shifting to firmly establish Ankara as a growing aviation hub in the region.
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