Turkish Airlines
is preparing to expand its global footprint with new long-haul services to Minneapolis, USA, and Auckland, New Zealand, according to Turkish local media Turizm ekonomi. Ishrion Aviation shared the news on social media Threads on Saturday.
Minneapolis and Auckland: New horizons for Turkish Airlines
The announcements were made by Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, during the Turkish Airlines Management Summit 2025 in Antalya, the article said. These new routes are set to enhance Turkish Airlines’ position as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic global carriers.
Minneapolis will be the airline’s newest destination in the United States. Turkish Airlines’ increasing dominance in transatlantic travel is highlighted by the fact that it is presently the sole airline providing direct flights from Istanbul to many US destinations. According to the official website, Turkish Airlines operates flights to 13 cities in the United States: Atlanta, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston, New York (including both JFK and Newark airports), Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, New Jersey, Dallas, Seattle, and Detroit.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
The carrier hasn’t stopped expanding its network. After Turkish Airlines began flying to Denver in June 2024, the airline had earlier stated that it would be adding Minneapolis, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Orlando to its list of US destinations. In December of last year, Turkish Airlines had just operated its first flight to Santiago de Chile via Kuala Lumpur, which was the carrier’s longest route.
Damascus reopens
In a significant move to restore regional connectivity, Turkish Airlines will resume flights to Damascus, Syria, on January 23, after a 10-year break, according to the Associated Press. The airline will initially operate three weekly flights, with plans to increase frequencies as demand grows. This is part of a broader initiative by the Turkish government to reintegrate Syria into the international aviation network, with Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasizing Turkey’s role in enhancing safety and air navigation infrastructure in both Damascus and Aleppo.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Ahead of the flights, Turkish authorities dispatched technical teams to assess the condition of Syria’s airports. These assessments will help ensure the facilities meet international safety and operational standards. Turkish Airlines will play a central role in these improvements, contributing expertise and support for the necessary upgrades.
Continue to expand
In addition to announcing new routes, Turkish Airlines also celebrated its remarkable achievements in passenger traffic. The airline served 230 million passengers in 2024, a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 95.3 million traveled domestically, while 134.7 million were international passengers. The growth was mirrored in aircraft operations, which rose by 5.5%, reaching a total of 2.29 million flights across its global network, according to the Turizm ekonomi article.
Related
Turkish Airlines’ Record-Breaking Global Network In 2025
The carrier that flies to more countries than any other airline has significant growth ambitions.
As part of its expansion strategy, Turkey’s Ministry of Transport reported that the number of countries with which it has signed air transport agreements has now reached 175. These agreements allow Turkish Airlines to expand its service to new and emerging markets in Africa and Asia. In 2024 alone, the airline secured 253 new flight rights through bilateral negotiations, removing restrictions on routes with countries such as Cambodia and Panama. The airline is also pushing for increased rights in high-priority markets, including China, India, and the European Union.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
To support its ever-expanding operations, Turkish Airlines is investing in the enhancement of 
Istanbul Airport
. The airport, already one of Europe’s busiest, will soon debut the continent’s first “Simultaneous Independent Triple Parallel Runway Operations” system, set to launch on April 17, 2025. This innovation will allow three aircraft to land or take off simultaneously, significantly increasing operational capacity and reducing delays.
Simple Flying recently reported that in 2025, 98.8% of all Turkish Airlines flights will either depart from or arrive at Istanbul Airport, the airline’s new hub, since relocating from the old Atatürk Airport in 2019. The upgrade is part of a broader expansion plan that will eventually see Istanbul Airport serving over 350 destinations with 150 airlines. Once completed, these developments will further bolster Turkish Airlines’ aim to become the world’s number one airline, reinforcing its strategic role as a global aviation hub.
