Turkish Airlines will begin its long-awaited services to Australia in March, in a move expected to put downward pressure on airfares ahead of the European summer. The carrier will initially operate flights from Istanbul to Melbourne, with a stopover in Singapore, three times a week from 16 March 2024.
Australia is the airlines 6th continent, connecting passengers to 129 countries and 345 destinations. Australia, a destination of significant interest long on the airline’s agenda, makes Melbourne the 346th destination in 130 countries.
Notably, Turkish Airlines will be the sole European carrier offering flights to Melbourne Airport, with the flights conveniently relayed via Singapore.
Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route will connect Türkiye with Australia’s largest Turkish community and one of largest trading centers of Victoria, fastest-growing state of the country.
Additionally, Turkish Airlines new flights will increase Melbourne’s access to the European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets via İstanbul, contributing to tourism, international education, business, and trade potential.
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat comments: “Today is an important day for us. We have realized our goal of reaching the continent of Australia, which we have been successfully working on for a while, with the confirmed flight date.
We have a significant global value that distinguishes us from our competitors as we are the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world. Maintaining this valuable mission is a very strong motivation that drives us to work harder, more devotedly, and with more enthusiasm. With this motivation, we are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network. Australia, with its natural beauty and hospitable people, becomes the 130th country and 6th continent under our wings.
We are delighted to meet Australians with Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service quality and unique flight network. In the coming years, we plan to strengthen our presence in this beautiful country by increasing both the frequency of our flights and the number of our destinations. Also, as we bring the Turkish and Australian people closer and strengthen the bonds between our countries, we aim to increase bilateral tourism, trade, and business opportunities.”
In the next few years, Turkish Airlines aims to go live with direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in the country with the acquisition of new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne.