Turkish Airlines (THY) plans to launch daily direct flights between Istanbul and Sydney starting in 2026. This development will strengthen the connection between Turkey and Australia, significantly shortening travel times.
Daily Direct Flights Begin
THY will start its Sydney flights in November 2024, currently operating four weekly flights with a layover in Kuala Lumpur. From June 2025, five weekly flights are planned, and from October 2025, six weekly flights will be scheduled. Starting from January 12, 2026, daily direct flights between Istanbul and Sydney will be available.
Greg Botham, Aviation Growth and Group Strategy Manager at Sydney Airport, said about this development:
“We are excited about the upcoming direct flight opportunity to Istanbul. This expansion will make travel between Turkey and Australia even easier.”
Direct Flights Made Possible with Long-Range Aircraft
THY currently has 24 Airbus A350-900 aircraft in its fleet, with an order for 66 A350-900s and 15 A350-1000s. The airline will modify five of the A350-1000s to enable direct flights to Sydney and other distant destinations with a higher Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).
This modification will make THY the first Turkish airline to operate direct flights to Australia.
Second Australian Destination: Melbourne
THY launched flights between Istanbul, Singapore, and Melbourne in March 2024, opening a second destination in Australia. Flights to Melbourne are operated three times a week with the Airbus A350-900.
While Sydney will be THY’s primary hub in Australia, flights to Melbourne will also provide an important alternative.
Istanbul-Sydney: THY’s Longest Route
Istanbul-Sydney flight distance: 14,966 km (9,300 miles)
Estimated flight time: 19 hours
THY’s current longest direct flight: Istanbul-Mexico City (11,407 km)
THY aims to strengthen connections between Europe and Australia with these long-haul flights. The Sydney route will be a significant advantage for both business and tourism travelers.
Strong Ties with the Turkish Community and Australia
There are over 15,000 Turkish-Australians living in Sydney. Turkey is also one of the most popular destinations for Australian tourists.
Greg Botham, Sydney Airport official, commented on THY’s expansion plans:
“Turkish Airlines’ rapid transition to daily flights to Sydney demonstrates confidence in the strength of the market. These connections will further boost tourism and business between Australia and Turkey.”
Turkish Airlines: The Airline with Flights to Most Countries in the World
After launching Sydney flights, THY also began flights to Santiago, Chile, its 26th destination in South America. These flights, with a stopover in São Paulo, operate four times a week with the Airbus A350-900.
Recognized by the Guinness World Records for “The Most Countries Flown to by an Airline,” THY continues its leadership in global aviation, operating flights to over 120 countries.
THY’s Extensive Network in the U.S.
THY operates flights to 14 destinations in the U.S., with frequent services to major cities like New York, Washington, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The Denver flights launched in June 2024 further contribute to this expansion.
