Turkish Airlines Expands Global Routes to 285 Destinations by 2025
Turkish Airlines, ranked 13th among the world’s largest carriers and fourth for international services, continues to expand its extensive network. Between September and December, Turkish Airlines plans scheduled flights to 285 destinations in 124 countries. This expansion highlights the Star Alliance member’s significant global reach, potentially even more so if freight services were accounted for.
Key Details of Turkish Airlines’ Operations
- Airline Type: Full-Service Carrier
- Hub: Istanbul Airport
- Alliance: Star Alliance
- CEO: Bilal Ekşi
- IATA/ICAO Code: TK/THY
Recent Route Additions in 2025
From its hub at Istanbul Airport, Turkish Airlines introduced routes to Misrata, Seville, and Port Sudan in September. October will see the resumption of services to Mombasa and Yanbu, followed by Phnom Penh (via Bangkok) in December. Further expansion, including flights to Bissau and London Gatwick, is planned for 2026.
Details of New Cities Added in September
- Misrata: Flights resumed on September 2, three times weekly with Boeing 737-800/900s.
- Seville: Initiated service on September 17, becoming the sixth destination in Spain with a year-round daily service on the 737 MAX 8, initially using a 777-300ER.
- Port Sudan: Service started on September 17, important for its African network, with 737-800/900 flights operating three times weekly.
Regional Expansion Recap
The airline has expanded or resumed flights in several countries since 2024, including Afghanistan, Australia, Chile, and Libya. In 2025, it covers Cambodia, Sudan, and Syria with international connectivity, adding vitality to its network. Israel remains the only country that stopped being served since 2023.
Turkish Airlines’ European and African Network
Turkish Airlines operates passenger flights to 85 European airports, which are crucial for connectivity to other regions such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Germany, home to a large Turkish diaspora, stands out for having the most flights, second only to domestic routes.
| Area | What Is New Or Has Returned in 2025? |
|---|---|
| Europe (excl. the Caucasus) | Ohrid, Seville |
| Africa | Benghazi, Misrata, Mombasa, Port Sudan |
| Asia-Pacific (excl. the Middle East) | Phnom Penh |
| Domestic Türkiye | – |
| Middle East | Aleppo, Damascus, Yanbu |
| North America | – |
| Latin America | Nine |
A Strong Presence in Africa
In Africa, Turkish Airlines services 54 airports, marking the continent as a significant region for its flights. Narrow-body aircraft are used in nearly 75% of these flights, often operating on one-stop routes.
According to booking data, more than 12,000 passengers daily connect through Istanbul to or from Africa, demonstrating the hub’s importance. Prominent city pair markets include Guangzhou-Algiers, Dubai-Algiers, and London-Lagos among others.
