The first flight operated by Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, has landed in Sydney as the airline adds yet another long-haul destination to its route network.

In a press statement, Turkish Airlines says that its introduction of direct flights between Sydney and Istanbul marks a significant milestone in global connectivity. This new route provides a seamless link between Australia and Europe, enhancing opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, it adds. 

The aircraft features 32 flatbed seats in business class and 297 recliner seats in economy

The airline says that its Istanbul-Sydney flights will be operated using the modern Airbus A350-900. The aircraft features 32 flatbed seats in business class and 297 recliner seats in economy, ensuring comfort on long-haul journeys.

It adds that the flight will operate four times a week via Kuala Lumpur and will cover a 14,966 km in approximately 19 hours.

Turkish Airlines says the new route will strengthen ties between Türkiye and Australia, boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, and give Australian travellers access to its extensive global network with signature comfort and hospitality.

It adds that it will also create 290 jobs and contributing USD 33.6 million to the economy of New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital.

The statement adds that following Melbourne’s addition in March, Sydney becomes Turkish Airlines’ second Australian destination, with plans for direct Sydney-Istanbul flights set to transform travel between the two cities.

Bilal Ekşi

“This momentous occasion marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight path in history, as we happily add our second Australian city to our flight network. The arrival of our first flight from Istanbul to Sydney represents our ongoing commitment to connect travellers across the globe, providing a seamless gateway between Europe and Australia with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Once we receive our aircraft capable of conducting the journey in a single leap, we look forward to further expanding our offering in the near future with Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul,” says Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines.

John Graham

“Turkish Airlines’ arrival in Sydney is a landmark moment that offers a new high-quality option for local travellers to Europe and a boost in visitor numbers to Sydney. This exciting new route from Istanbul was made possible by a financial incentive from the Minns Government. We are backing our airports to increase capacity and bring more visitors to NSW, creating jobs and economic growth in our tourism destinations right across the state. Bringing more passengers into our airports is part of the Minns Government’s plan to boost jobs and growth in our statewide visitor economy,” says John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, New South Wales.

Scott Charlton

“We are proud to welcome Turkish Airlines as it launches its inaugural flight to Sydney. This new service strengthens Sydney’s already strong international network, offering passengers even more choice and connectivity to Europe and beyond through Turkish Airlines’ extensive hub in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines will bring added competition to the market, and with over 15,000 Turkish-born Australians residing in New South Wales and Türkiye consistently being a top choice for Australian travellers, we are confident this new route will see strong demand,” says Scott Charlton, CEO, Sydney Airport.