Southwest Airlines announces a new partnership with Turkish Airlines, scheduled to begin in early 2026, allowing travellers to book one-ticket transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul, with onward connections across both carriers’ networks.
The agreement enables passengers to connect through shared gateway airports in the US served by Southwest, with tickets becoming available next year through Turkish Airlines, travel agents and online travel websites.
The partnership links Southwest’s domestic network with Turkish Airlines’ global hub at Istanbul Airport, which serves more than 350 destinations in 132 countries. The move forms part of Southwest’s broader push to expand international connectivity through airline partnerships rather than launching its own long-haul operations.
Partnership expands Southwest’s global connectivity
Under the agreement, international travellers will be able to transfer seamlessly between Southwest and Turkish Airlines on a single ticket when travelling via participating US airports. Turkish Airlines currently serves 10 airports in the United States that are also part of Southwest’s network, creating multiple connection points for transatlantic and onward travel.
Turkish Airlines operates one of the largest global route networks, with extensive coverage across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. By funnelling passengers through Istanbul Airport, the partnership significantly expands the range of destinations accessible to Southwest customers beyond North America.
Southwest describes the agreement as a way to introduce its brand to new international markets while offering US-based travellers more choice. “Both Southwest and Turkish Airlines are known for the warmth of our Employees, the authenticity of our Hospitality, and the reliability of our airline operations,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer.
“We’re grateful for this new relationship that will usher thousands of international travelers each week through experiences around the globe that showcase the best of both carriers and globally enhances awareness of the Southwest brand.”
Series of airline deals supports wider strategy
The Turkish Airlines agreement is the sixth partnership Southwest has announced with overseas carriers this year. The airline has been steadily building links that connect its US-focused network to destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa without operating its own long-haul flights.
Southwest is positioning these partnerships alongside product changes aimed at attracting a broader range of travellers. The airline confirms it will introduce a redesigned cabin experience and allow customers to book assigned and extra legroom seating on flights operating from January 27, 2026.
The combination of network partnerships and onboard enhancements marks a shift for Southwest, which has traditionally focused on point-to-point domestic travel with a single-class cabin. By enabling one-ticket international journeys via partners such as Turkish Airlines, the carrier is seeking to remain competitive as demand for long-haul and multi-region travel continues to recover.
