Turning transit into opportunity: How Turkish Airlines’ voluntary stopover programme benefits Midlands businesses

Written by Turkish Airlines
 

Global connectivity and the Midlands business community

The Greater Birmingham business community has never been more globally connected.

Companies across the region are entering new markets, strengthening trade links, and supporting employees who travel internationally.

At the heart of this connectivity is aviation—efficient routes that enable Midlands businesses to operate on the world stage.

As the airline that connects more countries than any other, Turkish Airlines plays a pivotal role in this global reach.

Serving more than 340 destinations through its hub in Istanbul, the airline links Birmingham businesses seamlessly to markets across Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

For many corporate travellers, this means efficient transfers and well-timed connections.

But Turkish Airlines also recognises that some travellers want more from their journey.

Beyond efficiency, there is a growing appetite for flexibility, cultural discovery, and employee wellbeing.

This is where the airline’s voluntary Stopover Accommodation Service offers something unique.
 

A stopover by choice, not necessity

For many, the word “stopover” suggests long or inconvenient waits. Turkish Airlines has redefined this perception.

Our Stopover Service is entirely voluntary, designed for passengers who wish to enrich their journey with a stay in Istanbul — with a maximum duration of up to seven days as of 2025 and a minimum of 20 hours.

The journey must be ticketed as a round-trip, beginning and ending in the same country, and passengers may benefit from this service only once per journey, either on the outbound or the return leg.

This distinction is important. Turkish Airlines’ network already provides efficient connection times.

The Stopover programme is not about managing delays or disruptions—it is about offering travellers an additional option to add value to their trip.

Passengers who opt in can enjoy:
• 1 night in a 4-star hotel for Economy Class travellers
• 2 nights in a 5-star hotel for Business Class travellers

All at no additional cost for accommodation.

To ensure passengers are not affected by any regulatory changes, they are kindly requested to apply for the service immediately after their ticket purchase . 

Applications must be made no later than 72 hours before departure by sending an e-mail to [email protected] 

Istanbul: A city of opportunity

Few cities embody the spirit of global exchange like Istanbul.

Strategically located between Europe and Asia, it has been a hub of commerce and culture for centuries.

Today, it is one of the busiest international aviation hubs in the world, and a natural connection point for Birmingham-based businesses expanding internationally.

For travellers who take advantage of the Stopover programme, Istanbul becomes more than a point on the map. Even a short stay can offer:
• A chance to recharge in comfort before continuing a long-haul journey.
• A cultural experience that broadens perspective and inspires creativity.
• Access to one of the world’s most dynamic business and trade centres.

 

The value for Greater Birmingham businesses

For companies in the Midlands, this service offers several practical benefits:

1 Supporting employee wellbeing

Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a priority in global business travel.

Long-haul flights and time zone changes can be tiring. A voluntary stopover provides staff with the opportunity to rest in high-quality accommodation, arriving at their destination refreshed and better prepared.

 

2 Cost-effective value

Accommodation costs are covered by Turkish Airlines, meaning employers can offer their staff a premium experience at no additional expense.

For organisations managing large volumes of international travel, this is a meaningful benefit.

 

3 Cultural and commercial enrichment

Istanbul is not only a cultural treasure; it is also an important economic hub. Exposure to new markets and global perspectives, even briefly, can be valuable for globally minded employees and organisations.

4 Flexibility and choice

Not every traveller wants to move as quickly as possible from one meeting to the next. By making the stopover voluntary, Turkish Airlines empowers passengers to decide how best to shape their journey.
 

A broader trend in business travel

The Stopover Accommodation Service also reflects a broader shift in how international business travel is evolving.

Increasingly, organisations are looking beyond cost and efficiency alone. They are asking how travel can:
• Improve the overall employee experience.
• Support productivity and creativity.
• Align with sustainability goals by maximising the value of each trip.

By turning what might once have been idle transfer time into a purposeful experience, Turkish Airlines demonstrates how airlines can innovate to meet these new priorities.
 

How to access the service

Passengers from Birmingham or anywhere in the Midlands can apply easily by following these steps:

• Book a round-trip ticket originating and ending in the same country, with a voluntary stopover of minimum 20 hours and a maximum of 7 days (as of 2025).
• Apply online or via Turkish Airlines offices immediately after purchase, at least 72 hours before departure.
  • Visit Turkish Airlines Stopover web page
  • Select your country of departure and create your voucher using the online “Booker”
  • Email your request to [email protected]
• Receive your hotel voucher and present it along with your boarding pass at hotel check-in in Istanbul.

Note: The ticket must be issued – reservations not yet ticketed are not eligible and passengers may benefit from this service once per journey, either on outbound or return leg. If you encounter any issues creating your voucher online, contact the Free Hotel Team for assistance.

Looking ahead

As the Midlands continues to expand its global reach, connectivity will remain central to business success. Airlines have a responsibility to support not only the movement of people but also the quality of the travel experience.

Turkish Airlines’ voluntary Stopover Accommodation Service is a clear example of this approach—transforming a simple transfer into an opportunity for rest, discovery, and connection.

For the Greater Birmingham business community, it is another way the world’s most internationally connected airline is helping to turn travel into a strategic advantage.