In a significant development for Australian travelers, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) has announced that Turkish Airlines (TK) will be launching a direct flight service between Istanbul (IST) and Sydney, with an intermediate stop in Kuala Lumpur (KUL). This new route, set to commence operations on December 5, 2024, will be the only direct return flight to Istanbul available from any Australian airport. The route will operate four times a week, offering a unique opportunity for travelers seeking to explore the cultural richness of Turkey or connect through Istanbul to Turkish Airlines’ extensive network of destinations across 130 countries.
This announcement marks a significant expansion for Sydney Airport, which has witnessed a surge in airline network growth over the past two years. Turkish Airlines becomes the eighth new addition to the airport’s roster of over 50 airlines, reflecting a broader trend of increasing connectivity and competition within the global aviation industry.
Turkish Airlines will be deploying Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this route, configured to accommodate 329 passengers. The aircraft will feature 32 Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access for every passenger. The Economy Class section will feature a standard 3-3-3 seating arrangement, offering ample space for 297 passengers.
The airline has ambitious plans for this route, aiming to transition it to a non-stop service in the future. This transition will significantly enhance travel efficiency and convenience for travelers heading to Turkey or utilizing Istanbul as a hub for connecting to other destinations across Turkish Airlines’ vast network.
The introduction of this direct service bolsters Sydney’s role as a key European gateway, further solidifying its position as a critical hub in international travel. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport handles a substantial share of Australia’s air traffic to Europe, with approximately 38% of all flights between Australia and Europe passing through it. Turkish Airlines’ service, offering connections to over 110 European destinations, is expected to further increase this percentage, strengthening Sydney’s appeal to international travelers.
Scott Charlton, CEO of Sydney Airport, expressed his delight at the development, highlighting the significance of Turkish Airlines’ decision to commence its direct service from Sydney. Charlton emphasized that this decision is a strong endorsement of Sydney and New South Wales, reflecting the city and state’s attractiveness to international airlines.
Passengers will benefit from Turkish Airlines’ renowned award-winning service on the route between Sydney and Istanbul, which includes a stop in Kuala Lumpur until the transition to a non-stop service is completed. Turkish Airlines officials hailed the new Sydney route as a game-changer, with Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, emphasizing it as a leap forward in global connectivity and exceptional passenger experiences.
The launch of this new route signifies a significant expansion of Turkish Airlines’ global network and underscores the airline’s commitment to connecting passengers with diverse opportunities and experiences. The introduction of this route is expected to enhance the airline’s connectivity and offer more seamless travel options to and from Australia.
