Turkish Airlines locks in start date for Australian flights via Singapore

Turkish Airlines will begin its long-awaited flights to Australia in just under two months, operating three times a week between Istanbul and Melbourne from March 16.

Turkish Airlines will begin flights out of Australia in under two months, operating Melbourne to Istanbul via Singapore from March 16.

Turkish Airlines will begin its long-awaited flights to Australia in just under two months, operating three times a week between Istanbul and Melbourne from Saturday, March 16.

The flights will go via Singapore initially, with plans to operate non-stop once suitable aircraft are available.

It’s understood the transit through Singapore will be just 90 minutes with a Boeing 787-9 to be used initially, and then an A350 from April.

Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said it would be the only European airline flying into Tullamarine, in a significant win for the city.

“Last month Melbourne Airport became the first capital city in Australia to exceed its pre-pandemic international seat capacity, and Turkish Airlines’ announcement today cements that recovery,” Mr Parashos said.

“Türkiye is already a popular holiday destination, but we expect these new flights will encourage more Australians to explore what the country has to offer, while also enticing more people to visit our incredible part of the world.”

He said it was not surprising the airline had chosen Melbourne as its first Australian destination, given the city is home to the nation’s largest Turkish community.

Mr Parashos also acknowledged the federal government’s role in facilitating the flights, through the relaxation of the bilateral air services agreement Türkiye.

Turkish Airlines’ chairman of the board and executive committee Ahmet Bolat said they were looking forward to launching an Australian service, first mooted in 2013.

“As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are excited to add Melbourne to our flight network as the 346th destination,” Dr Bolat said.

“Endowed with natural beauty and a welcoming people, Australia becomes the 130th country and sixth continent under our wings.”

The Turkish city of Istanbul straddles two continents – Asia and Europe. Picture: Getty Images

Australian Travel Industry Association chief executive Dean Long said the flights presented another important connection point to the Middle East and Europe and would put further downward pressure on fares.

“It’s a small number of flights but all of these things increase the number of seats Australians have access to, and heighten competition,” Mr Long said.

“We’ve already seen prices come off in recent months, and a premium airlines like Turkish will keep that pressure on the established airlines that have that market share, which is a good thing.”

Although Istanbul was not typically in the top-10 overseas destinations for Australians, Mr Long said the new flights would help stimulate the market.

“It’s one of these destinations that ebbs and flows in the Australian psyche. There’s usually interest ahead of Anzac Day,” he said.

“There’s a shorter lead-in time (for ticket sales) than what we would typically find. Normally we see people booking about 120 days before departure but we are expecting some very competitive fares.”

Turkish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance, which includes Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, United, Air New Zealand and Swiss Air.

Its loyalty program is called Miles and Smiles and costs nothing to join.