Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, is now incorporating Melbourne, Australia, into its flight network
To date, the flag carrier, which has reached 129 countries and 345 destinations across 5 continents, is preparing to connect its passengers to the 6th continent with the start of flights to Australia.
Turkish Airlines, which consistently expands its unique flight network as one of the most significant cornerstones of its growth strategy, is strengthening this performance by adding Australia, a destination of considerable interest and long on its agenda, to its flight network.
The flag carrier, which will schedule 3 flights a week to Melbourne, its 346th destination in 130 countries starting from 15 March 2024, will thus 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.
Winter schedule details for Melbourne/Australia flights;
| Flight No | Start Date | End Date | Flight Days | Departure | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK168 | 15 March 2024 | 29 March 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | IST | 17:30 | 08:50 +1 | SIN |
| TK168 | 16 March 2024 | 30 March 2024 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | SIN | 10:20 | 20:40 | MEL |
| TK169 | 16 March 2024 | 30 March 2024 | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | MEL | 22:30 | 03:00+1 | SIN |
| TK169 | 17 March 2024 | 31 April 2024 | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | SIN | 04:30 | 11:15 | IST |
Summer schedule details for Melbourne/Australia flights;
| Flight No | Start Date | End Date | Flight Days | Departure | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK168 | 31 March 2024 | 25 October 2024 | Tuesday, Friday, Sunday | IST | 17:00 | 08:45 +1 | SIN |
| TK168 | 1 April 2024 | 6 April 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | SIN | 10:15 | 20:40 | MEL |
| TK168 | 8 April 2024 | 5 October 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | SIN | 10:15 | 19:40 | MEL |
| TK168 | 7 October 2024 | 26 October 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | SIN | 10:15 | 20:40 | MEL |
| TK169 | 1 April 2024 | 6 April 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | MEL | 22:20 | 02:50+1 | SIN |
| TK169 | 8 April 2024 | 5 October 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | MEL | 21:20 | 02:50+1 | SIN |
| TK169 | 7 October 2024 | 26 October 2024 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday | MEL | 22:20 | 02:50+1 | SIN |
| TK169 | 2 April 2024 | 27 October 2024 | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday | SIN | 04:30 | 10:40 | IST |
The special launch price for Turkish Airlines' Melbourne to Istanbul flights is 1499 AUD, and 1199 USD for Istanbul to Melbourne flights.
Commenting on the finalization of the launch date 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. 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 6th 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 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 İstanbul, 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.
