Turkish Airlines Advances its Melbourne Launch and Swaps Aircraft

With the launch of flights to Australia, Turkish Airlines is getting ready to link its passengers to the sixth continent, adding to its 129 countries and 345 destinations over five continents.

Turkish Airlines is bolstering its performance by adding Australia, a location of great interest and long on its agenda, to its flight network. This move continues its trend of expanding its distinctive flight network, which is a critical component of its development plan.

From 15 March 2024, Turkish Airlines will operate three weekly flights to Melbourne, making it its 346th destination in 130 countries. Flights will operate via Singapore, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Thousands of travellers will travel from Istanbul to Melbourne annually, contributing to the country’s tourism and business volumes. With the flights relayed via Singapore, Turkish Airlines will be the sole European carrier to operate flights to Melbourne Airport.

Turkish Airlines has launched a special airfare from Melbourne to Istanbul for A$1499 and US$1199 for Istanbul to Melbourne flights to celebrate the occasion. The special airfare is valid for sale until 15 April and travel between 15 March and 15 May 2024.

Commenting on the finalisation of the launch date, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, said: “Today is an important day for us. We have realised 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 strong motivation that drives us to work harder, more devotedly, and more enthusiastically. With this motivation, we are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network. With its natural beauty and hospitable people, Australia has become 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 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.”

The new route, which the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport support, will connect Türkiye to Australia’s largest Turkish population and one of the largest trading areas in Victoria.

Turkish Airlines’ new flights from İstanbul will connect Melbourne to European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets, boosting tourist and international education, business, and trade opportunities.

Turkish Airlines aims to organise direct flights to Melbourne and other potential destinations in the country over the next several years with the acquisition of new aircraft capable of operating nonstop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne.