airBaltic and Turkish Airlines Expand Codeshare Agreement, Enhancing Connectivity Between Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus: Here’s Why You Should Pack Your Bags NOW!

Published on June 26, 2025

airBaltic and Turkish Airlines have announced a significant expansion of their existing codeshare agreement, enhancing the connectivity between Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region. This expanded partnership will offer passengers even more travel options and easier access to a broader range of destinations, with smoother connections between the Baltics and Türkiye’s global hub in Istanbul.

This cooperation, initially launched in 2023 with a shared codeshare on the Riga–Istanbul route, now extends to include several new destinations. Starting with the inclusion of six new cities under the codeshare agreement, passengers from airBaltic will have direct access to Tbilisi, Batumi, Ashgabat, Baku, Dushanbe, and Bishkek via Turkish Airlines flights. These destinations open up travel opportunities for those wishing to explore the South Caucasus and Central Asia, providing a seamless travel experience with one combined itinerary.

On the flip side, Turkish Airlines will place its code on airBaltic flights from Riga to three key cities in Northern Europe: Turku and Tampere in Finland and Palanga in Lithuania. This aspect of the expanded codeshare agreement facilitates easier travel for Turkish passengers seeking to visit smaller regional cities in the Nordic-Baltic region, without the need for complex layovers or multiple carriers.

This expansion is not just about new routes; it’s a reflection of the increasing need for flexible partnerships that enable airlines to provide more options to travelers, offering access to secondary cities and niche markets. As both carriers work together to extend their networks, this partnership highlights the changing dynamics of air travel and the importance of strategic alliances in providing more efficient travel options to the global market.

Enhancing Connectivity Between the Baltics and Central Asia

The updated codeshare agreement between airBaltic and Turkish Airlines provides greater connectivity for travelers between the Baltics and Central Asia. With the addition of six new destinations in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, airBaltic passengers will now be able to explore these regions with ease. Whether travelers are looking to experience the ancient architecture of Baku, the modern vibrancy of Tbilisi, or the cultural richness of Dushanbe, these new destinations provide more options for those eager to discover less-traveled regions.

Moreover, this new partnership makes Istanbul not just a stopover but a crucial hub for connecting passengers traveling from Northern Europe to Asia and beyond. With these enhanced routes, Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport continues to solidify its position as one of the busiest airports in the world, providing travelers with access to destinations across three continents.

Turkish Airlines’ Expanded Network Through airBaltic

For Turkish Airlines, this partnership represents a significant expansion of its footprint in the Baltic region. By placing its flight code on airBaltic’s routes from Riga to Northern Europe, Turkish Airlines passengers now have access to smaller cities in Finland and Lithuania. These destinations were previously difficult to reach directly from Istanbul and other major Turkish cities, but thanks to the codeshare agreement, they are now easily accessible via airBaltic-operated flights.

For Turkish Airlines, this collaboration is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its network in Europe, especially in regions like the Nordic-Baltic area, where the airline has seen increasing demand for more connections. With this enhanced network, Turkish Airlines can tap into regional traffic between the Baltics and Northern Europe, providing more choices for passengers seeking connections to both the East and West.

New Destinations: Expanding Travel Horizons for airBaltic Passengers

The new destinations added under the expanded codeshare agreement provide passengers with the opportunity to explore parts of the world that may have been previously more difficult to access. These include:

• Tbilisi (Georgia): A beautiful city known for its rich history, Tbilisi is a gateway to Georgia’s wine culture and dramatic landscapes.
• Batumi (Georgia): On the coast of the Black Sea, Batumi is famous for its beaches, botanical gardens, and modern architecture.
• Ashgabat (Turkmenistan): The capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, is known for its grandiose monuments and unique architecture.
• Baku (Azerbaijan): The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku blends old-world charm with modern luxury, offering travelers a diverse cultural experience.
• Dushanbe (Tajikistan): A cultural hub of Central Asia, Dushanbe is a city full of parks, museums, and Soviet-era buildings.
• Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is known for its natural beauty and proximity to Kyrgyzstan’s famous mountains and lakes.

These cities not only provide travelers with exciting new places to explore but also open the door to new experiences in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. For travelers seeking unique destinations beyond traditional European hotspots, this partnership offers the perfect opportunity.

Growing Partnerships in Aviation: The Trend of Codeshare Alliances

This expanded codeshare partnership between airBaltic and Turkish Airlines is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are forming strategic alliances to offer more efficient travel and greater route options to passengers. By pooling resources and networks, airlines can increase their efficiency without the need for additional infrastructure or aircraft. This approach allows carriers to serve secondary cities and niche markets that might otherwise be too small to support direct flights.

The move towards codeshare agreements reflects the evolving landscape of the airline industry, where partnerships are becoming increasingly important in an age of global travel. For airBaltic, the partnership with Turkish Airlines significantly expands its own network and opens up access to new regions, especially Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

For Turkish Airlines, the codeshare with airBaltic provides an opportunity to expand its reach in Northern Europe. With a broader range of destinations available to Turkish passengers, the airline can cater to smaller regional markets, strengthening its position in a highly competitive global industry.

The Future of Air Travel: Enhanced Customer Experience Through Codeshare Cooperation

With the launch of these new destinations and increased regional connectivity, passengers can expect a smoother travel experience when flying between Northern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. The codeshare cooperation allows travelers to book flights with one ticket and enjoy a seamless travel experience, avoiding the complexity of managing multiple bookings and connections.

In addition to providing greater convenience, this partnership also enhances the customer experience by offering more flexibility. Passengers will now be able to choose from a wider array of destinations, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exploration.

Conclusion: airBaltic and Turkish Airlines Set the Stage for More Global Connectivity

The expansion of the codeshare partnership between airBaltic and Turkish Airlines offers travelers a broader range of destinations and easier connections between Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region. This collaboration provides a major benefit for passengers seeking seamless travel between Northern Europe and these fascinating destinations, which are often not served by direct flights.

As airlines continue to expand their networks through partnerships like this, global connectivity will continue to improve, giving travelers more options for exploring the world. The new routes and enhanced services will no doubt attract both business and leisure travelers, opening up exciting new possibilities for exploration and growth.