Turkish Airlines and Sydney Airport have announced daily direct flights between Sydney and Istanbul, less than three months after the inaugural flight touched down. The decision to ramp up services comes as part of Turkish Airlines’ commitment to increasing its presence in the Australian market.
Service Expansion Throughout 2025
Currently operating a four-weekly service, Turkish Airlines will progressively increase its flights. Adding more services in the coming months, from mid-June 2025. The frequency will rise to five weekly flights, and by the end of October, the service will operate six times per week.
The route will be flown using the Airbus A350-900, with the current flight, TK174, arriving in Sydney at 19:35 and departing as TK175 at 21:15. The service will transit via Kuala Lumpur, and depending on aircraft delivery schedules, Turkish Airlines plans to transition to a non-stop service to Istanbul in 2026.
Confidence in the Sydney-Istanbul Market
Greg Botham, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive for Aviation Growth and Group Strategy, praised the decision to rapidly increase flight frequencies. “Turkish Airlines’ decision to ramp up to daily services so soon after launching in Sydney is a tremendous vote of confidence in the strength of the market,” he said. He also highlighted the expanded connectivity between Australia and Türkiye, which would benefit both business and leisure travelers.
Botham further emphasised that the move reaffirms Sydney Airport as Turkish Airlines’ primary gateway in Australia, solidifying the airport’s status as the nation’s premier international hub. The prospect of a future non-stop service to Istanbul also excites both Turkish Airlines and Sydney Airport as it promises to make travel even more seamless between the two countries.
The ramped-up services will provide enhanced connectivity, making it easier for passengers to travel between Australia and Türkiye. Sydney becomes the only airport in Australia served by two European carriers, the other being British Airways. The airport currently holds a 38% share of all traffic between Australia and Europe.
Melbourne and Sydney Services Made Possible by Government Agreement
The launch of Turkish Airlines’ services to Melbourne and Sydney was facilitated by the Australian federal government’s relaxation of the bilateral air services agreement with Türkiye in 2023. These new routes not only improve access for Australian travelers but also provide Turkish passengers with easier connections to Australia, marking a significant milestone in the growing aviation relationship between the two countries.
Turkish Airlines’ swift expansion and plans for daily flights underscore its commitment to the Australian market, offering a seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers flying between Sydney and Istanbul.