Just months after its inaugural flight, Turkish Airlines is signalling a confidence in the Sydney-Istanbul route. The carrier has now announced plans to escalate services to daily flights by January 12, 2026.
This rapid expansion underscores the robust demand for travel between Australia and Türkiye. It further solidifies Sydney Airport’s position as a key international hub.
Turkish Airlines Ramp Up of Sydney Services
The airline’s ambitious growth strategy will unfold throughout 2025. Currently operating four weekly flights, Turkish Airlines will increase frequency to five times a week from mid-June. This will be followed by a further boost to six weekly services by the end of October.
This progressive approach allows the airline to strategically manage capacity and cater to the growing passenger numbers.

Airbus A350-900 Operations
Currently, the route is serviced by the modern Airbus A350-900, making a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Flight TK174 arrives in Sydney at 7:35 PM, offering convenient evening arrival times for passengers.
The return flight, TK175, departs Sydney at 9:15 PM, facilitating smooth connections for onward journeys. An exciting development on the horizon is the planned transition to a non-stop service to Istanbul in 2026, subject to aircraft delivery schedules.
This direct connection will significantly reduce travel time and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Greg Botham, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive, Aviation Growth and Group Strategy, expressed enthusiasm about Turkish Airlines’ expansion.
“Turkish Airlines’ decision to ramp up to daily services so soon after launching in Sydney is a tremendous vote of confidence in the strength of the market,” he stated.
Botham emphasized the benefits for both business and leisure travelers, highlighting the increased connectivity between Australia and Türkiye.
“This expansion will provide even greater connectivity between Australia and Türkiye, benefiting both business and leisure travellers,” he added.

Sydney Airport: A Primary Gateway
The move also cements Sydney Airport’s standing as Turkish Airlines’ primary gateway in Australia, reinforcing its role as the nation’s leading international airport. Sydney Airport handles millions of passengers annually, connecting Australia to a vast network of global destinations.
Its strategic location, coupled with world-class facilities and services, makes it a preferred choice for airlines and travelers alike.
The airport’s ongoing investment in infrastructure ensures it can accommodate the growing demand for international travel. It is capable of ably supporting airlines like Turkish Airlines in their expansion plans.
Looking ahead, the prospect of a non-stop service to Istanbul is particularly exciting. Botham noted, “We’re also excited by the prospect of a future non-stop service to Istanbul, which will make travel between our two countries even more seamless.”

Conclusion
This direct link will streamline travel, making it easier and faster for people to connect with family, explore new cultures, and conduct business between the two countries.
The enhanced convenience of direct flights is expected to further stimulate travel demand and strengthen the economic ties between Australia and Türkiye.
The increased frequency and the eventual non-stop service underscore Turkish Airlines’ commitment to the Australian market and its belief in the long-term potential of the Sydney-Istanbul route.

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