We’re sticking with Australia, with Turkish Airlines planning to launch a route to the land down under.
Initially, Turkish Airlines will operate three flights a week to Melbourne, with the flights stopping at Singapore on the way, commencing on the 15th of March 2024.
It will be the 346th destination that Turkish Airlines serves, with it operating in 130 countries.
The planned operation and timings are a little complex – so here is what Turkish Airlines has published:
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 |
Initially, Turkish Airlines will operate its Boeing 787-9 aircraft on this route – although it is best to check equipment as the airline does change the aircraft used on routes depending on need.
The stopover in Singapore is booked for 1 hour 30 in both directions.
1 hour 30 is enough to hop into a lounge to get a shower, or have a quick power walk around the secured sections of Changi – but not enough time to wander out into the Jewel or beyond.
The route is supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, which will allow the connection of Türkiye with Australia’s largest Turkish community and one of the largest trading centres of Victoria, as well as connections to Europe, The Middle East, Balkan and Africa via its Istanbul base.
Lead-in Prices start at Melbourne to Istanbul flights 1499 AUD, and 1199 USD for Istanbul to Melbourne flights.
In Quotes
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 .”
Sniffing the direct option
Turkish Airlines is by no means done with Austraila, as it becomes the 130th notch on its list, with the airline looking beyond Melbourne – as well as the magical direct flights that airlines love to try to fly.
As usual, routes like this will boil down to economics and the willingness of passengers to fly the route. With three flights a week, it’s a starting point for Turkish Airlines as they explore the new market and explore the demand it has.
And who knows – we may see more routes between Istanbul and Austraila if the numbers add up.
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