Over 6000 Miles: Turkish Airlines' Istanbul Route Becomes Denver International Airport's Longest Flight

Turkish Airlines has launched its latest route to American soil, marking a significant milestone for Denver International Airport (DEN). At 6,130 miles, the flight from Istanbul Airport (IST) is now the longest route serving Denver. This new connection operates thrice weekly, with plans to increase to four times weekly next month.

The New Istanbul-Denver Route

Announced in April, the new route from Istanbul to Denver fulfills a promise Turkish Airlines made to its investors in 2021. The route, operating thrice weekly with plans to increase to four times weekly, will utilize both the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This month, over 5,000 seats are available for this city pair, with the number set to double in July.

The addition of this route is expected to bring about 350 new jobs to the Denver area and contribute approximately $54 million annually to the local economy. Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, expressed delight in expanding their network, highlighting the historical and cultural opportunities this new route offers passengers.

Denver's Longest International Flights

1. Istanbul - Denver

The new Istanbul to Denver route, at 6,130 miles, is now the longest flight operating out of DEN. Turkish Airlines' commitment to this route enhances the airport's connectivity to international destinations, now linking Denver to 16 countries served by just as many airlines.

2. Denver - Tokyo Narita

United Airlines operates the second-longest route from Denver to Tokyo Narita Airport. Covering 5,788 miles, this year-round service utilizes the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a three-cabin configuration with 257 seats. United Airlines, the largest carrier at DEN, continues to maintain this vital international link despite Denver being one of its less internationally connected hubs.

3. Denver - Munich

The third-longest route connects Denver to Munich, operated daily by both United Airlines and Lufthansa. This 5,225-mile route sees United deploying its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Lufthansa using the Airbus A350-900. While United's Dreamliner carries 257 passengers, Lufthansa's A350-900 has a higher capacity of 293 seats.

4. Denver - Frankfurt

Rounding out the list is the route from Denver to Frankfurt, spanning 5,039 miles. This daily service is operated by both United and Lufthansa, with each airline using the Boeing 787-9. Although Lufthansa's Dreamliner accommodates nearly 40 more passengers than United's, both offer a premium-heavy configuration, enhancing the passenger experience on this transatlantic journey.

Enhanced Connectivity and Economic Impact

The introduction of Turkish Airlines' longest flight to Denver significantly enhances the airport's international connectivity and economic prospects. With Denver now connected to 16 countries, this new route not only boosts tourism but also strengthens business ties between the regions.