Australian travellers seeking European getaways have a new option now: Turkish Airlines. With a significant increase in flight allowances granted by the Australian government, the carrier is set to dramatically impact the travel landscape.
A dramatic rise in permitted flights gives Turkish Airlines a major advantage over competitors like Qatar Airways and Emirates. This expanded access, coupled with Istanbul’s strategic location closer to Europe. It allows for connections to a wider network of secondary cities on smaller, more frequent flights.
Future Non-Stop Flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Istanbul
While initial routes will offer a one-stop service via Singapore, Turkish Airlines chairman Ahmet Bolat has hinted at future non-stop flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Istanbul, potentially starting in March 2024. The airline is even eyeing ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000s to join Qantas in the race for non-stop connections to New York and London by 2026.
Interestingly, Qantas has remained silent on Turkish Airlines’ entry. The airline has been very vocal about expension of Qatar Airways’ expension plan. This may be due to the initial Singapore stopover making the business class route less attractive for Qantas’ clientele.
Cheaper fares and wider choices for European destinations
Turkish Airlines’ entry promises to make Australia’s skies more vibrant and competitive.The increased competition is likely to bring welcome news for Australian travellers in the form of potentially cheaper fares and wider choices for European destinations. Seeking convenient connections to picturesque European towns or dreaming of non-stop transatlantic journeys,it’s reliable.
