Turkish Airlines to launch Istanbul-Melbourne service on March 15 – Business Traveler

Turkish Airlines has put an end to speculation by confirming its new service to Melbourne will launch in March.

The airline has been talking about launching flights to Australia for the past year and earlier this month announced plans to serve Melbourne. via a one-line “route ad” in the Investor Relations section of their website.

No details on the launch date or schedule were given at the time, but Turkish has now confirmed that it will begin a three-times-weekly service via Singapore on March 15.

Flight times will vary over the next few months and are listed in the tables below, but generally there will be a layover of about an hour and a half in Singapore in both directions.

To celebrate the launch, Turkish Airlines is offering special fares of US$1,199 for bookings made before April 15 and travel between March 15 and May 15.

While the flights for now will pass through Singapore, the airline said that “In the coming years, Turkish Airlines aims to organize direct flights to Melbourne and other potential cities in the country with the acquisition of new aircraft capable of operating non-stop flights between Istanbul . and Melbourne.”

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

“Today is an important day for us. We have fulfilled our goal of reaching the Australian continent, where we have been working successfully for some time, with the flight date confirmed.

“We have an important global value that distinguishes us from our competitors since we are the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world. Maintaining this valuable mission is a very strong motivation that drives us to work harder, with more dedication and with more enthusiasm.

“With this motivation, we are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network. Australia, with its natural beauty and hospitable people, becomes the 130th country and sixth continent under our wings.

“We are delighted to introduce Australians to Turkish Airlines' award-winning quality of service and unique flight network. In the coming years, we plan to strengthen our presence in this beautiful country by increasing both the frequency of our flights and the number of our destinations.

“In addition, as we bring the Turkish and Australian people closer together and strengthen ties between our countries, we aim to increase bilateral tourism, trade and business opportunities.”

What do you think of the launch? Join the discussion in our forum.

turkishairlines.com

Winter schedule details for Turkish Airlines flights to Melbourne/Australia

Summer schedule details for Turkish Airlines flights to Melbourne/Australia

*Due to daylight saving time in Australia, there is a time variation.