Turkish Airlines to commence Sydney flights in December

Turkish Airlines will commence a four-times-weekly service between Istanbul and Sydney from 5 December 2024.

The new seasonal service will initially involve a refuelling stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but will go on to become a non-stop service, according to a statement by Sydney Airport on Thursday (12 September).

Flights will depart Istanbul on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 15:15 and arrive in Sydney at 6:20 the following day. Flights from Sydney will depart at 20:40 on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and arrive in Turkey at 10:15.

Operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft – featuring 32 business class seats and 297 in economy – the new route marks the carrier’s second destination in Australia, following the launch in March of its three-times-weekly service from Istanbul to Melbourne via Singapore.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton, said: “This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub.”

Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and executive committee, Ahmet Bolat, added: “This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.

“Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg,” Bolat said.