Turkish Airlines adds Melbourne to its world-leading flight network
Up until now, the flagship carrier has successfully reached 129 countries and 345 destinations across five continents. It is now gearing up to extend its connectivity to the sixth continent by commencing flights to Australia.
Turkish Airlines, a key player in its growth strategy, consistently expands its distinctive flight network. Adding Australia to its flight network has long been a focal point of interest and planning for the airline, further solidifying its performance.
As of March 15, 2024, the flag carrier is set to operate three flights per week to Melbourne, marking its 346th destination in 130 countries. This move aims to boost tourism and trade between Turkey and Australia, facilitating the transportation of thousands of passengers annually along the Istanbul-Melbourne route. Turkish Airlines will distinguish itself as the sole European airline currently offering flights to Melbourne Airport, with flights routed through Singapore.
Details of the winter schedule for Melbourne/Australia flights include:
| Flight No | Start Date | End Date | Flight Days | Departure | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK168 | 15 Mar 2024 | 29 Mar 2024 | Mon, Wed, Fri | IST | 17:30 | 08:50 +1 | SIN |
| TK168 | 16 Mar 2024 | 30 Mar 2024 | Tue, Thu, Sat | SIN | 10:20 | 20:40 | MEL |
| TK169 | 16 Mar 2024 | 30 Mar 2024 | Tue, Thu, Sat | MEL | 22:30 | 03:00+1 | SIN |
| TK169 | 17 Mar 2024 | 31 Apr 2024 | Wed, Fri, Sun | SIN | 04:30 | 11:15 | IST |
Summer schedule details for Melbourne/Australia flights are also outlined.
A special launch price for Turkish Airlines’ Melbourne to Istanbul flights is set at 1499 AUD, and for Istanbul to Melbourne flights, it’s 1199 USD. These promotional prices are applicable for ticketing from January 19 to April 15, 2024, and for travel from March 15 to May 15, 2024.
Commenting on the finalized launch date, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Today is an important day for us. We have achieved our goal of reaching the continent of Australia, which we have been diligently working towards for a while, with the confirmed flight date.”
He further emphasized the global significance of Turkish Airlines, being the airline that serves more countries than any other globally. The addition of Melbourne as the 346th destination is seen as a milestone, with Australia becoming the 130th country under the airline’s wings. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat highlighted the excitement to introduce Australians to Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service quality and unique flight network. The airline plans to strengthen its presence in Australia in the coming years by increasing flight frequency and adding more destinations. Additionally, the airline aims to enhance bilateral tourism, trade, and business opportunities, fostering closer ties between Turkey and Australia.
Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route is expected to connect Turkey with Australia’s largest Turkish community and one of the largest trading centers in Victoria, the fastest-growing state in the country. Turkish Airlines’ new flights are poised to enhance Melbourne’s access to European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets, contributing to the potential growth in tourism, international education, business, and trade. Looking ahead, Turkish Airlines has ambitious plans to organize direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in Australia by acquiring new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne in the coming years.
