Turkish Airlines has announced a major expansion into Australia with the launch of a new Sydney to Istanbul route, marking the first direct connection between Australia’s busiest airport and Turkey.
The new service, set to begin in December 2024, will initially operate via Malaysia and is set to become a non-stop flight by late 2026, pending the delivery of new aircraft.
This follows the successful launch of the airline’s Melbourne-Istanbul route earlier this year, further solidifying Turkish Airlines' presence in Australia. The Sydney Airport hailed the route as a "groundbreaking service that will revolutionise travel between Australia and Europe."
“This announcement marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub,” said Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton. He also noted the positive economic impact the route will have on both Sydney and New South Wales, enhancing international connectivity and supporting tourism.
The new route provides Australian travelers with access to over 340 destinations across 130 countries via Turkish Airlines’ extensive network.
This expansion into Sydney follows meticulous planning, according to Turkish Airlines Chairman Professor Dr. Ahmet Bolat, who said, “Australia, with its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people, now becomes the 130th country to join our expansive network.”
The initial one-stop service will evolve into a non-stop flight by late 2026, offering a direct portal from Australia’s east coast to Turkey and beyond. To celebrate the launch, Turkish Airlines is offering special fares starting at $1489 for travel between 12 September and 31 December 2024, and from 4 December 2024 until 31 May 2025.
The airline first entered the Australian market in March 2024 with its Istanbul to Melbourne route. Victoria’s Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, called the service “a significant milestone” for the nation, enhancing choice and competition for travelers, tourists, and businesses alike.