Sydney Airport welcomes Turkish Airlines and Australia’s first non-stop flights to Istanbul

Highlights:

• December 2024 Debut: Turkish Airlines is set to launch its inaugural Sydney service in December 2024.
• Australian First: Sydney Airport will be the first airport in Australia to offer non-stop flights to Istanbul.
• Frequent Service: With 4 flights per week, Sydney will serve as Turkish Airlines’ largest Australian hub.
• Expanding Airline Network: Turkish Airlines has become the eighth new airline to join Sydney Airport in the past two years.

Sydney Airport is set to welcome Turkish Airlines in December 2024, marking a historic milestone with Australia’s first non-stop service from Sydney to Istanbul. With 4 flights per week, Sydney Airport will become Turkish Airlines’ largest Australian hub, adding another prestigious European carrier to its network and reinforcing its status as Australia’s premier gateway.

Starting 5 December 2024, Turkish Airlines will operate four weekly direct flights from Sydney to Istanbul, initially with a layover in Kuala Lumpur. This route will soon transition to a non-stop service, providing an efficient, direct pathway to Türkiye, one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations. The A350-900 aircraft will host 329 passengers, with 32 seats in Business Class and 297 in Economy Class.

This direct route will revolutionize travel between Australia and Europe, opening seamless access to Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub, which connects to over 340 destinations across 130 countries. Known for its extensive European coverage, Turkish Airlines serves more European destinations than any other carrier globally.

With a commanding 38% share of Australia-Europe air traffic, Sydney Airport will be the only Australian airport to host two European airlines, a testament to its importance as a central international entry point. Destination NSW projects that Turkish Airlines’ arrival will bring over $53 million in visitor spending and support more than 290 local jobs in the first year alone.

CEO Insights

Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, shared his excitement: “The launch of Turkish Airlines’ Sydney route is a major step forward for Australian travelers to Europe. We’re honored that Turkish Airlines chose Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service, underscoring our region’s appeal. Travelers can look forward to experiencing Turkish Airlines’ award-winning service, connecting directly to Istanbul and beyond."

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, added, “Turkish Airlines’ presence in Sydney offers European travelers direct access to our exceptional state. This collaboration promises significant growth for NSW’s visitor economy."

Turkish Airlines Chairman, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, stated, “Sydney represents a vital gateway to the Southern Hemisphere, and we’re excited to connect our passengers with this dynamic city through exceptional service."

Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Istanbul to Sydney will arrive on 5 December 2024, at 6:30 pm AEST, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in international travel for Australians and Turkish Airlines alike.

Notes to Editor

List of 8 new airlines to launch services at Sydney Airport in last two years:

• Batik Air Indonesia
• Bamboo Airways
• SriLankan Airlines
• Thai AirAsia X
• T’way Air
• Vietjet Air
• Juneyao Air
• Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines Flight Schedule to Sydney