Turkish Airlines is strengthening its international route network by adding Melbourne, Australia, a destination of considerable interest and long on its expansion agenda.

The flag carrier will operate 3 flights a week to Melbourne, its 346th destination in 130 countries starting from March 15, 2024. The new service is expected to contribute to the tourism and trade volumes of both countries by carrying thousands of visitors on the Istanbul-Melbourne route every year. With the flights relayed via Singapore, Turkish Airlines will also have the distinction of being the only European airline to currently operate flights to Melbourne Airport.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said: “Today is an important day for us. We have realized 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."

Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route will connect Türkiye with Australia's largest Turkish community and one of largest trading centers of Victoria, fastest-growing state of the country.

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

In the next few years, Turkish Airlines aims to organize 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.