Turkish Airlines has announced that its Istanbul-Sydney service will increase to daily operations starting in early January 2026. The decision follows the airline’s launch of flights to Sydney on 29 November 2024 and reflects strong demand for the long-haul route.
Route Details
The Istanbul-Sydney route operates via Kuala Lumpur and is serviced by the Airbus A350-900. Currently, the airline operates four flights per week on this route, with the following schedule (all times local):
• Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur – Departs at 15:30, arrives at 06:35+1
• Kuala Lumpur to Sydney – Departs at 08:15, arrives at 19:35
• Sydney to Kuala Lumpur – Departs at 21:15, arrives at 03:00+1
• Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul – Departs at 04:40, arrives at 11:00
The total travel time to Sydney is approximately 20 hours and 5 minutes, while the return journey takes around 21 hours and 45 minutes. Turkish Airlines does not hold fifth freedom rights between Malaysia and Australia, meaning it cannot sell tickets exclusively for the Kuala Lumpur-Sydney sector.
Fleet and Passenger Capacity
Turkish Airlines operates the Sydney route using its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which features a total capacity of 329 seats, configured as follows:
• 32 Business Class seats – Lie-flat seating for premium passengers
• 297 Economy Class seats – Designed for long-haul comfort
The A350-900 was selected for this route due to its fuel efficiency, long-range capabilities, and passenger comfort, making it a suitable choice for the extensive flight duration.
Strategic Growth and Network Expansion
Turkish Airlines’ decision to increase the Sydney service to a daily frequency aligns with its broader strategy to expand its global network. The airline has recently launched new long-haul routes, including Melbourne, Santiago de Chile, and Denver, as part of its ongoing expansion efforts.
By offering daily flights to Sydney, Turkish Airlines aims to strengthen its presence in the Australian market and improve connectivity between Europe and Australia. The move is expected to enhance travel options for passengers while increasing the airline’s competitiveness in the long-haul sector.
Future Prospects: Direct Flights to Australia
Looking ahead, Turkish Airlines has expressed interest in operating direct flights between Istanbul and Australian cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. The airline is awaiting delivery of its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in 2026, which will have the range and capacity to operate non-stop services.
If introduced, a direct Istanbul-Sydney route would significantly reduce travel times and increase convenience for passengers. Until then, the decision to expand flights via Kuala Lumpur underscores Turkish Airlines’ commitment to the Australasian market and its long-term growth strategy.
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This article is based on information available as of 10 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
