Turkish Airlines Set to Launch Its Longest Route to Sydney

Turkish Airlines will debut its longest route on November 28, connecting Istanbul to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur. The new route, announced in September, begins earlier than expected to capture peak summer travel demand in Australia and align with the Christmas holiday season. This expansion, supported by the New South Wales Aviation Attraction Fund, positions Sydney as Turkish Airlines’ second Australian destination after Melbourne.

A Milestone for Turkish Airlines

The Istanbul-Sydney route will be operated initially with a Boeing 777-300ER, offering 349 seats, before transitioning to the Airbus A350-900 starting December 2. The service will run four times a week, with flight schedules designed to connect the Turkish hub to key markets in Asia-Pacific. However, Turkish Airlines currently lacks fifth freedom rights for passenger traffic between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney.

Flight times for the new route are:

• Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur: 13:15-04:20+1 (10h 5m)
• Kuala Lumpur to Sydney: 05:40-16:30 (7h 50m)
• Sydney to Kuala Lumpur: 20:40-01:55+1 (8h 15m)
• Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul: 03:55-10:15 (11h 20m)

Expanding Long-Haul Operations

With Sydney joining the network, Turkish Airlines’ longest routes will include other significant destinations, such as Mexico City, São Paulo, and Los Angeles. While Istanbul-Sydney remains a one-stop service for now, the airline is expected to explore a direct option in the future, making it an even more attractive choice for travelers.

This development reflects Turkish Airlines' commitment to expanding its global reach, catering to increasing passenger demand, and strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific market. By leveraging strategic partnerships and enhanced connectivity, the airline continues to position itself as a leading player in long-haul aviation.