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Türkiye’s low-cost airline AJet plans to grow its annual passenger count to 56 million by 2033 while aiming to boost the country’s $3.5 billion health tourism sector by an additional $1.5 billion through expanded dental and eye care services, Chairman Ahmet Bolat said.
During a press briefing on Friday, Bolat detailed the airline’s planned network expansion, health‑focused travel programs, and upcoming infrastructure investments.
Positioning Türkiye as a regional hub for medical tourism beyond cosmetic procedures, Bolat said AJet is developing a weekend-based travel model targeting European customers seeking dental or eye care.
"Start your holiday on Friday and come to Türkiye for treatment," Bolat said, describing the planned program. The initiative will rely on Türkiye’s reputation for affordable, high-quality care and the government’s comprehensive insurance coverage for international patients. He stated that patients from Europe could receive treatment more quickly than they would through public health systems at home.
Influencers from Europe and the Middle East will be invited to promote Türkiye’s health services in their countries. Bolat emphasized that dental care presents a particularly strong opportunity due to its ease of delivery and market demand. Türkiye already welcomes 1.5 million medical tourists annually.
AJet currently operates 85 aircraft with 3,200 employees, flying 23 million passengers in 2025 across 158 routes to 100 cities in 34 countries with 1,627 weekly frequencies. "Next year, we aim to carry 28 million passengers," Bolat said, adding that the airline will increase its weekly flights by 15% to reach 1,992.
Three new countries, Moldova, Romania, and Jordan, will be added to the network in 2025. Looking ahead, AJet plans to launch 15 new international routes from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 8 from Ankara in 2026. "We have a project to connect Ankara to more international destinations, but there are restrictions on flight rights in Europe," Bolat noted.
The company is also developing multi-city travel packages to support domestic tourism. "We are working on a new tour package starting from Ankara, covering Kayseri, Cappadocia, and Kutahya," Bolat said, explaining that passengers are encouraged to explore more regions and stay longer.
AJet’s fleet is expected to grow to 107 aircraft by the end of 2026, 76% of which will be new-generation models that offer 15–16% greater fuel efficiency. Bolat said this would help reduce maintenance and fuel costs, allowing the carrier to offer more competitive fares.
AJet will launch in-flight internet service in March 2026, using connectivity provided by Türkiye’s state-owned satellite operator, Turksat. "There will be a small fee, and it will gradually expand across the fleet," Bolat stated.
The airline will also open a new fast-track lounge at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, aiming for a March launch. "The entry fee will be around $30. After entering the lounge, passengers can reach their gate in five minutes, including customs," he said.
In addition, loyalty programs will be integrated between Turkish Airlines and AJet by the second half of 2026. "Miles earned on Turkish Airlines can be used on AJet, and vice versa," Bolat said.
Rebranded in 2024, AJet is a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s flag carrier and one of the world’s largest airline operators.
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