Turkish Airlines has announced plans to launch flights to Sydney, marking its second Australian destination following Melbourne. Starting December 4, 2024, the airline will operate four weekly flights between Istanbul Airport and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. The route includes a stop in Kuala Lumpur, which will be served by Airbus A350-900 aircraft. However, Simple Flying’s James Pearson reports the inaugural flight will depart on November 28, 2024, a week earlier than previously announced by Turkish Airlines.
Once the airline acquires aircraft capable of nonstop service, expected in 2026, Sydney will become Turkish Airlines’ first direct destination in Australia. The nonstop route is projected to use either Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777X planes.
Turkish Airlines began flying to Melbourne via Singapore via a one-stop connection in March. The addition of Sydney to its network is supported by New South Wales’ Aviation Attraction Fund, which was created to stimulate new international routes during the pandemic. The state government estimates that Turkish Airlines’ operations in Sydney will contribute about 53 million Australian dollars annually to the local economy.