Türkiye expands flight destinations from 60 to 346, reaching 131 countries

Türkiye has significantly expanded its international flight destinations over the decades, growing from 60 destinations in 50 countries to 346 destinations in 131 countries, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu.

Speaking at Airports Council International (ACI) Europe’s 34th annual congress in Istanbul, Uraloglu highlighted Türkiye’s strategic geographical and cultural position as a bridge between Asia and Europe and a hub for north-south corridors between Russia and Africa, along the historical Silk Road.

Uraloglu emphasized that from Türkiye, passengers can reach 1.4 billion people in 67 countries within a four-hour flight.

He noted that the global mobility of capital, know-how, and trained manpower has accelerated significantly, making speed an integral part of modern life, thanks to advancements in air travel.

World’s largest flight network

Since 2002, Türkiye has radically revamped its aviation sector, more than doubling its number of airports from 26 to 57. The country now boasts the world’s largest flight network.

The number of air passengers increased from 34.5 million in 2002 to 214 million in 2023. In 2023, approximately one plane passed over Türkiye’s skies every 15 seconds, and this year, the country expects even more flights.

Istanbul Airport is one of Europe’s busiest airports, with an average of 1,520 flights per day. Uraloglu attributed the success of Turkish Airlines, now competing with global giants in civil aviation, to the extensive facilities and flawless organizational structure at Istanbul Airport.

Turkish Airlines is the world’s third-busiest airline after Ryanair and EasyJet, according to the Financial Times. It increased its air cargo by 16% last year, offering services at 364 points with 24 cargo planes and 416 passenger planes.