LOT Polish Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight Between Gdańsk and Istanbul

LOT Polish Airlines has today launched new direct service between Gdańsk and Istanbul.  The route will now operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

LOT Polish 737-8 MAX - Courtesy LOT Polish Airlines

On Wednesday (January 14, 2026), LOT Polish Airlines celebrated the launch of new direct service between Gdańsk and Istanbul, providing passengers from northern Poland with direct access to one of the most dynamically growing cities of the world.   The route will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.  Flights will depart Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport at 16:35, while the return flights will depart Istanbul depart at 22:10 and land in Gdańsk at 23:00 (all times local).  The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

In Wednesday’s announcement, LOT Polish Airlines’ Network Director, Robert Ludera, said,

“The launch of the Gdańsk-Istanbul connection is an important element of our consistent strategy aiming to strengthen the presence of LOT Polish Airlines at the country’s regional airports. Travelers from the Pomerania region will enjoy direct and convenient access to one of the most fascinating cities in the world, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where history preserved in palaces, mosques, and the alleys of the old town intertwines with the dynamism of a modern metropolis bustling with life on the Bosphorus.  Istanbul is currently one of the key business and logistics centres connecting Europe with Asia.  Therefore, the new route makes it easier to organize meetings or participate in trade fairs and conferences.  It also fosters better business relations.  The afternoon departure from Gdańsk and the evening return from Istanbul allow our passengers to conveniently plan even short, intensive business trips.”

Also commenting on the new route launch, Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport’s CEO, Tomasz Kloskowski, added,

“After many years of hard work, countless meetings, talks and negotiations, and thanks to the involvement of many individuals, we are launching today the first direct connection between Gdańsk and Istanbul. This is a great day for Gdańsk Airport, as it underscores the many years of excellent cooperation with LOT Polish Airlines. Istanbul is a very attractive tourist destination for our passengers. It is also a strategic business, cultural and logistics hub that connects Europe with Asia. Gdańsk is provided with direct access to a true gateway to the East – the second largest airport in Europe and the seventh largest transfer hub worldwide. This significantly increases the attractiveness of Gdańsk on the international travel and economic map.”

LOT Polish Airlines connects Central and Eastern Europe with the rest of the world, including the U.S., Canada, India, Japan and South Korea.  The carrier operates long-haul flights with state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners.  Founded in 1929, LOT Polish Airlines is the 11th oldest airline in the world, and is also one of the most internationally recognized Polish brands.

Source: LOT Polish Airlines