Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Turkmenistan

Direct flight routes to Turkmenistan

Non-stop flights from Europe to Turkmenistan are limited and operate primarily to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB).

• Frankfurt (FRA) – Ashgabat (ASB): Turkmenistan Airlines, 5h 45m


• London (LHR) – Ashgabat (ASB): Turkmenistan Airlines, 6h 30m


• Paris (CDG) – Ashgabat (ASB): Turkmenistan Airlines, 6h 15m

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub offering multiple daily connections. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping and dining options.

Moscow (SVO) – Aeroflot’s main hub. Connection times typically 4-5 hours. Visa may be required for transit.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub with good connectivity. Average layover 5-6 hours. Free city tours available for longer layovers.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Layover options through major hubs often offer 30-40% savings compared to direct flights.

Tips and recommendations

• Book Turkmenistan Airlines direct flights 3-4 months in advance for best availability and prices


• Consider overnight layovers in Istanbul to explore the city and potentially save on accommodation


• Check visa requirements for transit countries, especially for Moscow connections


• Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer lower fares on most routes


• Longer layovers (6+ hours) through Dubai or Istanbul frequently cost less than shorter connections

• Turkish Airlines offers the most extensive network to Ashgabat via Istanbul, with competitive fares averaging 15-20% below market rates from secondary European cities. Their A321neo aircraft deployed on the Istanbul-Ashgabat route features a comfortable 31-inch pitch in economy with 18-inch seat width. Connection times in Istanbul are typically under 4 hours.
• Flying from Eastern European hubs like Budapest or Bucharest via Azerbaijan Airlines through Baku can save up to 30% compared to Western European departures. The airline operates modern Boeing 787-8s with above-average 32-inch pitch in economy on European routes, though the Baku-Ashgabat leg uses smaller Embraer aircraft.
• S7 Airlines offers routes from several European cities through Moscow Domodedovo, with particularly good value from Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Their A320neo aircraft feature modern interiors with 30-inch pitch, and total journey times including connection in Moscow average 9-11 hours.
• Consider flydubai’s new service connecting various European cities to Ashgabat via Dubai, launched in January 2024. Their Boeing 737 MAX aircraft offer competitive 30-inch pitch and significantly lower fares than legacy carriers, especially during off-peak seasons.
• For premium economy travelers, Lufthansa’s Frankfurt-Ashgabat route (operated in partnership with Turkmenistan Airlines) offers the best value-for-money ratio. Their A330-300 aircraft feature premium economy with 38-inch pitch at fares typically 40% lower than business class, while providing lounge access and priority services.

1. Booking non-refundable tickets Due to frequent flight schedule changes and cancellations to Ashgabat International Airport (ASB), choosing non-flexible tickets can result in significant hassles and lost money.
2. Ignoring Turkish Airlines connections While travelers often search for routes through Moscow or Dubai, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers the most reliable and frequent connections to Ashgabat from European cities.
3. Not checking visa requirements before booking Many travelers fail to realize that Turkmenistan has one of the strictest visa policies in Central Asia, requiring an official letter of invitation before even applying for a tourist visa.
4. Flying during Nowruz festival Booking flights during the Persian New Year (usually in March) means dealing with peak prices and extremely limited seat availability as many Turkmen living abroad return home.
5. Late arrival at Ashgabat Airport Travelers often underestimate the thorough security checks and lengthy immigration procedures at ASB, which require arriving at least 3 hours before international departures.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network with flights from 15 European cities to Ashgabat, including major hubs in London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

Turkish Airlines offers reliable connections through Istanbul with typical layover times of 3-4 hours. The airline provides complimentary meals with Turkish and international cuisine options, comfortable seats with 31-32 inch pitch in Economy, and comprehensive in-flight entertainment. Passengers consistently rate their service 4 out of 5 stars, particularly praising their catering and staff professionalism.

Lufthansa

Best for: Premium service quality with flights from 8 European cities to Ashgabat, mainly through Munich and Frankfurt hubs.

Lufthansa maintains high service standards with efficient connections through their German hubs. Economy seats offer 31-inch pitch and adjustable headrests. Hot meals and snacks are included, and their punctuality rate exceeds 80%. The airline receives particularly high marks for their organized boarding process and cabin cleanliness.

Turkmenistan Airlines

Best for: Only airline offering direct flights from 6 European cities, including London, Frankfurt, and Paris to Ashgabat.

While their fleet is relatively older, they provide competitive fares and the convenience of non-stop flights. Economy class offers basic comfort with 30-31 inch seat pitch. Meals are simple but adequate, and entertainment options are limited. Passengers rate them 3.5 out of 5, mainly appreciating the direct flight option.

Aeroflot

Best for: Most cost-effective option with connections from 12 European cities through Moscow to Ashgabat.

Despite longer layovers in Moscow (typically 5-6 hours), Aeroflot offers competitive prices and modern aircraft on European routes. Economy class features 32-inch seat pitch, quality meals with Russian touches, and good entertainment options. Customer satisfaction averages 3.8 out of 5, with high marks for their value for money.

Save money flying to Turkmenistan using Asian carriers

While direct flights from Europe to Turkmenistan can be expensive, savvy travelers can save significantly by utilizing regional Asian carriers and breaking the journey into segments.

Key strategy points

1. Use Turkish Airlines as gateway – Book to Istanbul first, which offers competitive rates from most European cities
2. Consider Uzbekistan Airways – Connect through Tashkent to Ashgabat, often cheaper than direct routes
3. Leverage S7 Airlines connections – Russian carrier offers budget-friendly routes through Moscow to Ashgabat
4. Book separate tickets – Instead of a single itinerary, book legs separately to access regional airline pricing

Money-saving tips

Plan layovers of at least 6 hours when self-connecting to allow for delays and immigration procedures. Consider mid-week travel as regional carriers often reduce prices on Tuesday and Wednesday flights. Book approximately 3-4 months in advance when airlines release their best fares for these routes.

This strategy can save travelers 30-40% compared to direct bookings, though it requires more planning and flexibility with travel times.