Turkish Airlines is set to add a new feather to its cap with the introduction of Istanbul-Sydney flights via Kuala Lumpur starting December 4, 2024.
The airline will operate this new route four times a week, marking an expansion of its network into the South Pacific and adding Sydney as its furthest destination from Istanbul.
Utilizing an Airbus A350-900 for the route, the journey will see flights departing from Istanbul at 3:15 PM, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 6:20 AM the next day. From there, flights will depart Kuala Lumpur at 7:40 AM and land in Sydney by 6:30 PM.
The return flights from Sydney will take off at 8:40 PM, reaching Kuala Lumpur at 1:55 AM the next day, and then depart at 3:55 AM to arrive in Istanbul by 10:15 AM.
Turkish Airlines is employing one of its existing services from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur to extend the route to Sydney, maintaining its current capacity of 14 weekly flights between Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur.
This leg between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney will be operated as a fifth freedom service, allowing passengers to book flights solely between Malaysia and Australia.
The journey from Istanbul to Sydney covers a distance of 9,301 miles, and interestingly, the stopover in Kuala Lumpur adds only one mile to the direct air distance, although it does increase travel time by about three hours.
Istanbul – Sydney – Istanbul Flight Times
The total travel time for the eastbound journey (Istanbul to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur) is around 19 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover in Kuala Lumpur. The westbound journey (Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur) takes about 21 hours and 35 minutes.
“We are thrilled to expand our network to Sydney, a significant milestone for Turkish Airlines,” said a spokesperson for the airline.
“This new route will strengthen our presence in the South Pacific, offering more choices for travelers between Europe and Australia.”
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, shared his enthusiasm for this new route: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Sydney, which opens a new chapter for us on the continent. This new route not only strengthens our flight network but also reinforces our presence in Australia by connecting our guests with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Once we receive our aircraft capable of nonstop flights to this continent, Sydney will be our first direct destination in Australia.”
The airline is looking ahead to the future, planning nonstop flights from Istanbul to Sydney by 2026 and to Melbourne by 2027. These nonstops will become feasible with the delivery of the new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which are set to feature Turkish Airlines’ latest business class product, promising enhanced comfort and a premium experience for long-haul travelers.
John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism for the State of New South Wales, expressed his excitement about the new route: “We are excited to welcome Turkish Airlines to Sydney for the first time, introducing European travelers to our state. 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 has tremendous potential to grow the state’s visitor economy.”
Sydney now joins the list of Turkish Airlines’ longest-distance destinations, surpassing Melbourne and Santiago, which are also serviced via fifth freedom flights. The addition of this route is particularly noteworthy as it comes amid growing competition in ultra-long-haul travel to and from Australia. Qantas is also gearing up for its “Project Sunrise” flights, which will soon connect Sydney and Melbourne directly to New York and London with modified Airbus A350-1000s.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton highlighted the significance of this new route: “We are proud to see THY, Sydney, and NSW linked by this non-stop flight, a testament to the beauty our city and state have to offer. Passengers will be able to experience the Istanbul-Sydney route via Kuala Lumpur from December. Today’s announcement is of great importance for Sydney and NSW economies and underscores the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy. We eagerly await Turkish Airlines’ first flight and its future services in the coming years.”
As the airline continues to grow its fleet and network, Turkish Airlines’ expansion to Sydney represents a significant step in providing more comprehensive travel options for passengers looking to explore the world.
