To date, the flag carrier, which has reached 129 countries and 345 destinations across five continents, is preparing to connect its passengers to a sixth continent with the start of flights to Australia.

London, 19 January 2024: Turkish Airlines is continuing its route expansion strategy by adding Australia, a destination of considerable interest and long on its agenda, to its flight network. 

The flag carrier, which will schedule three flights a week to Melbourne from 15 March 2024 via Singapore, will contribute to the tourism and trade volumes of Türkiye and Australia by carrying thousands of visitors on the Istanbul-Melbourne route every year. 

The Australian gateway of Melbourne will be Turkish Airlines’ 346th global destination and 130th country served.

Turkish Airlines will also have the benefit of being the only European airline to currently operate flights to Melbourne Airport.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, said: “Today is an important day for us. We have realised our goal of reaching the continent of Australia, which we have been successfully working on for a while, with the confirmed flight date. 

“We have a significant global value that distinguishes us from our competitors as we are the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world. Maintaining this valuable mission is a very strong motivation that drives us to work harder, more devotedly, and with more enthusiasm. 

“With this motivation, we are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network. Australia, with its natural beauty and hospitable people, becomes the 130th country and sixth continent under our wings. 

“We are delighted to meet Australians with Turkish Airlines' award-winning service quality and unique flight network. In the coming years, we plan to strengthen our presence in this beautiful country by increasing both the frequency of our flights and the number of our destinations. Also, as we bring the Turkish and Australian people closer and strengthen the bonds between our countries, we aim to increase bilateral tourism, trade, and business opportunities."

Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route will connect Türkiye with Victoria, one of Australia’s largest trading centres and fastest-growing states, home to Australia's largest Turkish community. 

Turkish Airlines' new flights will also increase Melbourne's access to the European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets via İstanbul, contributing to tourism, international education, business, and trade potential.

In the next few years, Turkish Airlines aims to operate direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in the country with the acquisition of new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne.

Winter schedule details for Melbourne/Australia flights;

Summer schedule details for Melbourne/Australia flights;

 *Due to the daylight-saving in Australia, there is a time variance.