NSW Government helps Sydney Airport land Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines will begin four direct flights a week between Istanbul and Sydney from December 5, with support from the NSW Government's Aviation Attraction Fund.

The new route, from one of the world's leading carriers, will deliver an additional 68,620 inbound seats to Sydney Airport in its first year. This is expected to support more than 290 jobs and generate an estimated $53 million for the NSW visitor economy.

Initially the route will involve a refuelling stop in Kuala Lumpur but will go on to become a non-stop flight to Istanbul, creating a new flight option for Australians travelling to Europe. This will also open up opportunities for European visitors travelling to Australia.

Turkish Airlines has one of the world's most extensive aviation networks, flying to more than 340 destinations in 130 countries. Istanbul is also ideally situated as an aviation connection hub, thanks to its geographic location bridging Europe and Asia.

The new route is expected to increase competition and decrease airfares, providing a greater incentive for European travellers to choose Australia as their holiday destination.

Attracting new routes, building aviation capacity and lowering airfares is part of the Minns Government's agenda to grow the NSW visitor economy and create jobs.

Today's announcement comes after last month's announcement that Singapore Airlines would be the first international carrier to fly from Western Sydney Airport when it opens in 2026, and last week's announcement that the Aviation Attraction Fund will support the upgraded Newcastle Airport to attract international routes.

The fund is administered by Destination NSW with applications open between February 2022 and June 2023.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

"I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our state's world-class visitor experiences.

"The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service.

"Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state's visitor economy."

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

"This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines' Istanbul hub.

"With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in NSW and Türkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we're confident this service will be strongly supported."

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said:

"Today marks a significant milestone for Turkish Airlines as we proudly commence our journey into Sydney Airport. This new route not only enhances our global network but also reaffirms our commitment to connecting passengers with new opportunities and experiences.

"Sydney represents a vibrant gateway to the Southern Hemisphere, and we are thrilled to offer our travellers unparalleled access to this dynamic city.

"This expansion underscores our dedication to growing our network and providing exceptional service, bridging continents and bringing people closer together."

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said:

"Turkish Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines and these new, direct flights will boost access to NSW from key European markets via Istanbul.

"The commencement of the service coincides with the busy summer period and will provide exceptional connectivity with cities across Europe for both leisure travellers and those visiting family and friends."