Turkish Airlines Expands Istanbul-Sydney Flights to Daily by 2026

In a bold move to meet the rising demand for travel between Australia and Türkiye, Turkish Airlines has announced plans to increase its Istanbul-Sydney service to daily flights starting 12th January 2026. This rapid expansion, coming just months after the route’s launch, highlights the airline’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and offering more options for travelers.

The airline will gradually scale up its operations throughout 2025. Currently operating four weekly flights, Turkish Airlines will increase to five weekly flights by mid-June and six weekly flights by the end of October. By early 2026, the route will operate daily, providing travelers with greater flexibility and convenience.

At present, the flights are operated using the modern Airbus A350-900, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Flight TK174 lands in Sydney at 19:35, while the return flight, TK175, departs at 21:15. However, Turkish Airlines plans to transition to a non-stop service between Istanbul and Sydney in 2026, pending the delivery of new aircraft. This shift will significantly reduce travel time, making the journey more seamless and comfortable for passengers.

Greg Botham, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive for Aviation Growth and Group Strategy, praised the expansion, stating, “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. This expansion will provide even greater connectivity between Australia and Türkiye, benefiting both business and leisure travelers.” He also emphasized the potential of the future non-stop service, which will further enhance travel efficiency.

For African travel agents, this development opens up exciting opportunities. With Turkish Airlines’ extensive network spanning 52 African destinations, the expanded Sydney service offers a convenient gateway for African travelers heading to Australia. Additionally, the route creates possibilities for multi-destination itineraries, connecting Africa, Türkiye, and Australia via Istanbul. This is particularly advantageous for African travelers seeking to explore multiple regions in one trip.

As Turkish Airlines continues to strengthen its presence in the Australia-Europe market, its strategic use of Istanbul as a global hub positions it as a leader in long-haul travel. The airline’s expansion is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange, offering African travel professionals new opportunities to tap into the growing demand for travel to Australia.