Turkish Airlines has officially launched its Istanbul to Sydney flights, which are the airline’s longest route. On November 29, 2024, the airline’s inaugural flight landed in Sydney, marking a major milestone in its global network expansion. Sydney has now become the second Australian city included in Turkish Airlines’ operations, adding to its extensive network of 351 destinations across six continents.
Flights between Istanbul and Sydney will operate four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. These modern planes feature 32 flatbed business-class seats and 297 economy-class recliners, designed to provide passengers with long-haul comfort on the 19-hour journey. Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi expressed his excitement, saying, “This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network.”
This new route is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Turkey and Australia. The addition of Sydney follows Turkish Airlines’ earlier expansion to Melbourne, which began operations in March 2024. Travelers in Australia now have greater access to the airline’s global network, while visitors to Australia can explore Sydney’s renowned landmarks and attractions.
Turkish Airlines also plans to launch direct non-stop flights from Sydney to Istanbul, which will further streamline travel between the two cities. Ekşi added, “Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul.”
Support from Local Leaders
Local officials have praised Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney. New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, emphasized the economic benefits, stating, “Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travelers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney. This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government.”
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the airline’s launch, highlighting its positive impact on the region’s connectivity. “We’re proud to welcome Turkish Airlines as they launch their inaugural flight to Sydney. This new service strengthens Sydney’s already strong international network, offering passengers even more choice and connectivity to Europe and beyond through Turkish Airlines’ extensive hub in Istanbul,” Charlton said. He also noted that Türkiye is a top destination for Australian travelers and that this route will meet strong demand.
Special Offers and Flight Details
To celebrate the launch, Turkish Airlines is offering promotional fares. One-way tickets from Sydney to Istanbul are available for 1,489 AUD, while tickets from Istanbul to Sydney start at 999 USD. The special prices are valid for bookings made by December 31, 2024, with travel dates from November 28, 2024, to June 20, 2025.
The flight schedule includes departures from Istanbul on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with return flights from Sydney on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Layovers in Kuala Lumpur provide convenient connections for passengers traveling between these cities.
The Istanbul-Sydney route is expected to contribute approximately A$53 million to New South Wales’ visitor economy and support 290 jobs. As Australia’s largest city and a global hub for business, culture, and tourism, Sydney offers iconic attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This new service not only opens Sydney to more international visitors but also allows Australian travelers to benefit from Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network.
Turkish Airlines continues to enhance its offerings, providing seamless travel experiences while promoting economic growth and cultural exchange between the regions it serves.
