Reputedly, the world’s most connected airline (by number of passenger destinations), Turkish Airlines is preparing to commence direct services to Australia as soon as possibly December.
If approved, it would extend Turkish Airlines’ reach to effectively every continent. It would also make Turkish the only mainland European carrier to fly to Australia.
While the Melbourne-Istanbul service would initially involve a layover in Singapore, excitement around the connection is building.
On Karryon social media, reaction to the likely link was mostly positive.
“I just traveled on Turkish Airlines from Singapore to Istanbul to Varna return. Best airline food I’ve ever had and amazing service. Definitely recommend,” one user wrote.
Another agreed with this assessment of the service and onboard dining.
“Great food and great service. Love their intro video on board on safety. Done with humor,” they said.
One commenter hadn’t flown with TK but had “heard Turkish Airlines are brilliant”.
“Never heard a bad word about them. Must give them a try.”
Others simply responded with “Great value”, “Awesome!”, “wooohooo” and “Yay about time”.
One reader said the commencement of services would “Give the top 5 an absolute run for their money, especially J class”.
Is it even happening?
Meanwhile, some had doubts about whether the flights would even go ahead.
“Turkish has been saying they will start flying down to Australia since early 2010s. For 13 years now. I’ll believe it when I fly it,” one sceptic wrote.
“Plus, Turkish lacks the aircraft to fly to the eastern seaboard of Australia or New Zealand nonstop. Which will mean a refuelling stop in Singapore.
“So if you are connecting to a European destination, it will make much more sense to fly through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha with just one stop, rather than on Turkish with 2 stops in Singapore and Istanbul. I just don’t think the economics makes sense.”
Another commenter agreed, saying “Turkish airlines are all talk, but no action so far”. They also questioned the appeal of the service.
“This route was promised 10+ years ago. If it does happen it will mainly benefit those people who want to fly from Melbourne to Istanbul with 1 stop in Singapore and visit Turkey,” they wrote.
“If you want to fly elsewhere in Europe from Melbourne then this flight becomes a long, tiresome and expensive 2-stop flight – i.e. Melbourne – Singapore – Istanbul and only then to fly to Rome or Paris or London or Madrid or Athens, etc.
“In other words, this flight with a Singapore stop is not appealing for most travellers.”
They added that a non-stop from Melbourne to Istanbul would be “the really big thing”.
“If/when it happens (in a few years) then Istanbul airport can rival the big hubs of Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, KL, Bangkok, etc for all people who want to fly from Australia to Europe in both directions with just 1 stop in Istanbul.”
Comparisons
The same commenter compared the TK service to El Al’s planned non-stop flights from Melbourne to Tel Aviv in 2024.
“If it is a non-stop flight, it is great for flying to Europe via Israel. If it stops somewhere like Singapore then it is only great option for those who want to fly from Melbourne to Israel.”
They did however, talk up the Turkish city’s appeal as a stopover destination.
“Big bonus for Turkey is that a 1 stop in Istanbul is worth it for several days on the way to/from Europe,” they said.
Another user doesn’t mind the idea of a layover in SIN.
“I know direct is technically correct but direct doesn’t = non stop. Still excited to see this happen though!”
One reader even offered a possible schedule, predicting flights would depart MEL in the afternoon, arrive in SIN in the evening, depart SIN at night, and arrive in Istanbul in the morning the next day.
“I think this schedule will allow better connections from/to both cities during the day,” they said.
“Also, I know other airlines like British Airways, Qantas and Singapore Airlines use this schedule for Australia-Europe via Singapore routes.”
Some even went so far as congratulating Melbourne Airport on the service – “I am sure Melbourne will look after you” – even though TK’s flights are still to be confirmed.
MEL comments
A Melbourne Airport spokesperson told Karryon MEL “continues to work closely with Turkish Airlines to bring to fruition the airlines’ ambition to commence services to Australia”.
“Melbourne’s growing population and large Turkish community coupled with the airport’s 24/7 operations and integrated terminal present a compelling case,” they said.
“Although talks are progressing, a final decision is yet to be made.”
According to Turkish Airlines chair Ahmet Bolat, Turkish eventually wants to operate a daily Istanbul-Melbourne service as well as daily nonstop flights to Sydney. Bolat said TK is also eyeing flights to Brisbane and Perth.
