The airline already serves Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin in the UK and Ireland, but from 18 March next year, 14 weekly flights will depart from the Essex airport to meet "higher demand".

The change will increase the number of weekly services from the UK and Ireland to 170, with Stansted's 14 joining 47 flights from Heathrow, 28 from both Gatwick and Manchester respectively, 21 from Dublin, 18 from Birmingham and 14 from Edinburgh.

Mehmet Gurulkan, Turkish Airlines’ general manager for London, said: “We are delighted to launch flights from London Stansted, further strengthening our commitment to the UK market.

“This new service increases our total weekly UK – Istanbul frequencies, providing passengers even more choice and greater connectivity to our global network.

“By operating from Stansted, we are happy to support the airport’s continued growth and contribute to job creation and economic development in the region.”

Stansted airport are thrilled with the new addition.

Managing director Gareth Powell added: “We’re delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines to London Stansted.

“This is a major milestone for the airport and a strong vote of confidence in both our operation and the vibrant, fast-growing region we serve.

“Istanbul is a fantastic destination in its own right, but this new service also opens the door to Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network, connecting London Stansted to over 353 destinations, offering passengers and businesses across our region greater choice and easier access to destinations across Asia, Africa, Australia and beyond.

“We look forward to building a strong partnership with Turkish Airlines and seeing this exciting new route grow.”