After much anticipation, Turkish Airlines has officially confirmed that it will commence flights between Melbourne and Istanbul in March 2024.
With the announcement, Turkish Airlines will become the only mainland European carrier to fly to Australia.
The first-ever Aussie port for the airline, Melbourne Airport says the carrier will initially fly the route three times a week via Singapore, with the inaugural service from Istanbul due to touch down at Tullamarine on Saturday, 16 March.
When it secures aircraft able to operate a non-stop service, Turkish Airlines intends to fly directly between the two cities.
Lauding the announcement, Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said the carrier’s arrival will make it easier for Victorians and other travellers to connect to other parts of Europe and beyond. Turkish already flies to more countries than any other carrier.
“Istanbul is the only city to straddle two continents and has always been an important trading post, but it is now also one of the most important transit hubs in the world,” Parashos said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Turkish Airlines to Melbourne, not only because of its world-renowned hospitality, but also because of the new possibilities it enables for travellers.
“It’s no surprise that Turkish Airlines has chosen Melbourne as its first Australian destination, given we are home to the nation’s largest Turkish community and our position as the capital of food, sport and culture.
“These flights have been made possible thanks to the certainty provided by the relaxation of the federal government’s bilateral air services agreement with Türkiye.
“Last month Melbourne Airport became the first capital city in Australia to exceed its pre-pandemic international seat capacity, and Turkish Airlines’ announcement today cements that recovery.”
Parashos said that while Türkiye is already a popular holiday destination, “we expect these new flights will encourage more Australians to explore what the country has to offer, while also enticing more people to visit our incredible part of the world”.
Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines Dr Ahmet Bolat said the carrier was looking forward to its Aussie venture,
“As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are excited to add Melbourne to our flight network as the 346th destination,” he said.
“Endowed with natural beauty and a welcoming people, Australia becomes the 130th country and 6th continent under our wings.
“Proudly connecting people, cultures and continents for over 90 years, Turkish Airlines will offer Australians an award-winning service quality and an unparalleled flight network.”
Bolat has also already talked up plans for growth Down Under.
“We are glad to be here and plan to strengthen our presence in this great country by both increasing the frequency of our flights and the number of destinations in the years to come,” he added.
“Bilateral tourism, trade and business opportunities will boom as we bring Turkish and Australian people closer and the bond between our countries gets stronger.”
Turkish Airlines originally made the announcement it would be flying to Australia in June 2023.
