Turkish Airlines has expanded its global network with the launch of flights to Sydney and Santiago, connecting Istanbul to two vibrant destinations on opposite sides of the world.
These new routes reflect Turkish Airlines’ commitment to providing seamless travel experiences across six continents, offering travelers enhanced access to both Australia and South America.
The Istanbul-Sydney route marks Turkish Airlines’ longest flight, covering nearly 15,000 kilometers. Operated four times weekly, the journey includes a short layover in Kuala Lumpur for refueling and crew changes. Flights to Sydney are initially being conducted with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, but the airline plans to switch to its Airbus A350-900 fleet soon, with future services becoming nonstop once the newly ordered Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are delivered.
Travelers heading to Sydney will experience Turkish Airlines’ renowned hospitality onboard, complemented by comfortable seating and premium amenities. The route offers competitive introductory fares, starting at $999 for round-trip economy tickets. However, passengers are reminded of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws—bringing even small quantities of food off the aircraft can result in hefty fines or penalties.
A Gateway to Australia
Sydney, known for its iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and stunning beaches, serves as a major cultural and economic hub in Australia. The New South Wales government has welcomed Turkish Airlines’ arrival, seeing it as a significant milestone for tourism and trade. John Graham, New South Wales Minister for Work and Tourism, highlighted the route’s potential to increase visitor numbers and stimulate the state’s economy.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton also emphasized the route’s importance, calling it a turning point for travel between Europe and Australia.
Flights to Sydney operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Departures from Istanbul (TK 174) are scheduled for 1:15 PM, arriving in Sydney at 4:30 PM the next day. Return flights (TK 175) depart Sydney at 8:40 PM, landing in Istanbul at 10:15 AM the following day. The journey time is 19 hours and 15 minutes on outbound flights, with return flights taking slightly longer at 21 hours and 35 minutes.
Santiago: Strengthening South American Connections
Starting on 18 December 2024, Turkish Airlines will launch flights to Santiago, Chile, marking its 10th destination in the Americas and its 26th on the continent. Flights to Santiago include a layover in São Paulo, allowing passengers to board or disembark at either destination. The service will operate four times weekly, strengthening ties between Turkey and South America.
Departing Istanbul at 8:35 PM (TK 215), flights arrive in São Paulo at 4:15 AM the next day, with a short stop before continuing to Santiago, landing at 9:45 AM. Return flights (TK 216) depart Santiago at 11:40 AM and follow a similar schedule back to Istanbul, arriving at 11:20 AM the next day. Initial round-trip fares for economy tickets are set at $1,199.
Santiago, nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, offers a unique mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy. The new route enhances accessibility for tourists eager to explore Chile’s cultural landmarks, wine regions, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Santiago Airport CEO Nicolas Claude expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its potential to strengthen economic and tourism ties between Chile and Turkey.
Expanding Horizons with Turkish Airlines
With the addition of Sydney and Santiago, Turkish Airlines now flies to 351 destinations globally, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most far-reaching airlines. These new routes highlight the carrier’s dedication to connecting people, cultures, and economies.
Passengers traveling on these routes can also take advantage of Turkish Airlines’ unique transit services, such as the “Stopover Istanbul” program, which provides free hotel accommodations for long layovers, and the “TourIstanbul” program, offering guided city tours for shorter stopovers.
As Turkish Airlines continues to expand, these new connections to Sydney and Santiago further its mission of bridging continents and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
