Turkish Airlines has successfully launched its new direct route from Istanbul to Sydney, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy. The inaugural flight, which touched down at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, was met with a warm welcome as passengers disembarked and Turkish officials celebrated the launch of the new service.
The new route connects two major international hubs, providing enhanced travel options between Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific region. With this addition, Turkish Airlines now operates more than 300 destinations worldwide, further cementing its position as a global airline leader.
In his speech at the launch event, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi highlighted the importance of the new Sydney route for both the airline and its passengers. This direct flight between Istanbul and Sydney not only strengthens the bond between our two countries but also offers new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange, he said.
The flight from Istanbul is scheduled to operate three times a week, using Turkish Airlines’ wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which offers a comfortable and modern flying experience. The service provides both economy and business class options, with a range of amenities aimed at ensuring passenger comfort during the long journey.
For Sydney, the arrival of Turkish Airlines’ direct service is expected to boost tourism and enhance trade connections between Australia and Turkey. Australian officials welcomed the new route, highlighting the potential benefits for the local economy. This new service opens up exciting opportunities for Australian businesses, travelers, and tourists, and will further strengthen the relationship between Australia and Turkey, said Australia’s Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment.
The new flight also marks a recovery point for the airline industry, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As international travel continues to rebound, Turkish Airlines is looking to capitalize on the growing demand for long-haul flights.
Sydney is now the second Australian city to be directly connected to Istanbul, after Melbourne, which has been served by Turkish Airlines since 2017. The launch of the Sydney route is seen as part of a broader strategy to increase Turkish Airlines’ presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which has seen rising passenger numbers in recent years.
Travelers from both Istanbul and Sydney are already expressing excitement about the new route, with many praising the convenience and efficiency of a direct flight between the two cities. The new service is also expected to encourage more Australians to visit Turkey, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its network, the airline’s success in launching the Istanbul-Sydney route underscores its commitment to offering passengers a greater variety of travel options while strengthening its global footprint. The inaugural flight marks a new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ ambitious vision for future growth.
