Turkish Airlines Announces Game-Changing New Flights to Australia, Cambodia, Guinea-Bissau, and More in 2026

Published on October 9, 2025

As Turkish Airlines gears up for 2026, it is set to launch an ambitious series of new routes and increase frequencies on existing ones, solidifying its position as a global leader in aviation. With a focus on enhancing connectivity between Turkey and key international markets, the airline is unveiling nonstop flights to new long-haul destinations, expanding its regional presence, and increasing the frequency of flights on popular routes. Here’s a detailed look at what passengers can expect from Turkish Airlines in 2026.

New Long-Haul Destinations: Connecting Continents

One of the most exciting developments for 2026 is Turkish Airlines’ entry into Australia with nonstop flights from Istanbul to Sydney and Melbourne.

• Sydney to Istanbul: Turkish Airlines will begin direct flights between Sydney and Istanbul by late 2026, a move that aims to enhance tourism and business connectivity between Australia and Turkey. With Turkish Airlines already operating a significant presence in Asia and Europe, this new route will serve as a bridge between the two continents, making travel between Australia and Turkey easier and more efficient. This new addition will also attract travelers from neighboring countries, further expanding the airline’s global network.
• Melbourne to Istanbul: Similarly, the Melbourne-Istanbul route will commence in 2026, adding a second direct connection between Australia and Turkey. This expansion comes as Turkish Airlines continues to bolster its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, offering travelers more choices and flexibility.
• Auckland to Istanbul: Although not yet confirmed, Turkish Airlines is considering launching a direct flight between Auckland and Istanbul by 2026. This potential route aims to strengthen ties between New Zealand and Turkey, tapping into an underserved market and offering a convenient travel option for those seeking to explore both countries.

These new long-haul routes not only increase the number of global destinations for Turkish Airlines but also open up fresh opportunities for international travelers to experience the airline’s luxurious service and connectivity.

Expanding Regional Routes: Reaching New Frontiers

In addition to its long-haul expansions, Turkish Airlines is also focusing on increasing its presence in Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Several exciting new routes are set to launch in 2026.

• Guinea-Bissau (Bissau): Starting March 22, 2026, Turkish Airlines will introduce flights from Istanbul to Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau. This new service will provide travelers with a direct connection to West Africa, expanding the airline’s reach in the region and promoting stronger ties between Turkey and Guinea-Bissau. Turkish Airlines has a long history of expanding its footprint in Africa, and this new route is part of its ongoing strategy to provide better connectivity between the continents.
• Cambodia (Phnom Penh): On December 10, 2025, Turkish Airlines will launch a new route to Phnom Penh, marking its entry into Cambodia. This expansion will provide Cambodian travelers with greater access to Turkish Airlines’ international network, especially to Europe and the Middle East. The Phnom Penh service represents Turkish Airlines’ continued commitment to growth in Southeast Asia.
• Seychelles (Mahé): Another new destination for Turkish Airlines in 2026 will be Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles. Located in the Indian Ocean, this destination will offer a direct link to a popular tourist hotspot, expanding Turkish Airlines’ network in a region known for its tropical beauty and resorts.

Increased Frequencies: Catering to Growing Demand

With global travel steadily increasing, Turkish Airlines is also responding to the growing demand for flights between popular cities by increasing the frequencies of existing services.

• Tokyo (Narita): Starting in the summer of 2026, Turkish Airlines will increase the number of weekly flights on the Istanbul-Narita route to 10 flights per week, up from the current 7. This expansion reflects the growing demand for travel between Japan and Turkey, particularly in the business and leisure sectors. Turkish Airlines will offer passengers greater flexibility and convenience on this popular route.
• Lisbon: The Lisbon-Istanbul route will see an increase to 21 weekly flights by 2026, a reflection of the growing demand for connections between Portugal and Turkey. This expansion will make it easier for passengers to travel between these two vibrant cultures, whether for business, tourism, or family visits.
• Porto: Starting in March 2026, Turkish Airlines will also increase the frequency of flights on the Porto-Istanbulroute, adding three new weekly departures. This will provide more flexibility for passengers traveling between northern Portugal and Turkey, ensuring smoother connections to a wide array of global destinations.

New European Routes: Strengthening Connectivity

Turkish Airlines is also extending its reach within Europe, with new routes that will offer passengers more options for traveling to and from Istanbul.

• Seville: Turkish Airlines has recently started operating a direct flight from Seville to Istanbul, providing travelers in southern Spain with a new gateway to Turkey and beyond. This new service will benefit both tourists heading to Istanbul and business travelers looking for a convenient connection between the two cities.
• London Gatwick: Starting March 18, 2026, Turkish Airlines will begin flights between London Gatwick and Istanbul, providing an additional entry point to Turkey for passengers flying from the UK. This service will complement existing flights from Heathrow, offering more travel options for those flying from London.

Conclusion: A Future-Focused Airline

Turkish Airlines’ 2026 expansion plan demonstrates its commitment to enhancing global connectivity and offering passengers more choices than ever before. With new long-haul routes, increased frequencies, and an expanding network of regional destinations, Turkish Airlines is preparing for a busy year of growth. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or connecting to another destination, Turkish Airlines’ expansion will make it easier than ever to explore the world with one of the leading airlines in the sky.