Turkish Airlines (Turkish:Türk Hava Yolları), or legallyTürk Hava Yolları Anonim Ortaklığı,[7] is theflag carrier ofTurkey.[8] As of June 2024[update], it operates scheduled services to 352 destinations (including cargo) in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas.[9] The airline serves more destinations non-stop from a single airport than any other airline in the world[10] and flies to 131 countries,more than any other airline.[9][11][12][13][14] With an operational fleet of 24cargo aircraft, the airline's cargo division Turkish Cargo serves 82 destinations.[15] The airline also owns a low-cost subsidiary,AJet.
Turkish Airlines was established on 20 May 1933 asTurkish State Airlines (Turkish:Devlet Hava Yolları)[19] as a department of theMinistry of National Defense.[20] The airline's initial fleet consisted of two five-seatCurtiss Kingbirds, two four-seatJunkers F 13s and one ten-seatTupolev ANT-9.[20] In 1935, the airline was turned over to the Ministry of Public Works and was subsequently renamedGeneral Directorate of State Airlines. Three years later, in 1938, it became part of theMinistry of Transportation.[21]
SeveralDouglas DC-3s andDouglas C-47s were phased in during 1945.[22] Being initially set up as a domestic carrier, the airline commenced international services with the inauguration ofAnkara–Istanbul–Athens flights in 1947; with the DC-3s and C-47s enabling the carrier to expand its network.[20]
Nicosia,Beirut andCairo were soon added to the airline'sinternational flight destinations. However, domestic services remained the carrier's primary focus until the early 1960s.[23]
THYDouglas DC-10 in 1974 wearing the airline's initial colour scheme
In 1956, the Turkish government reorganized the airline under the nameTürk Hava Yolları A.O. (often abbreviated as THY).[20] It was capitalized atTRY 60 million. The airline joined theInternational Air Transport Association (IATA) shortly thereafter. In 1957,British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) began supplying technical support after acquiring a 6.5 percent shareholding, which it held for about 20 years.[23]
The airline was plagued by several issues in the 1980s and 90s. It developed a reputation for poor service compared to competitors and flight delays, with 47 out of 100 flights not departing on time.[24] It also endured hijackings and suffered seven accidents between 1974 and 1983. The most notorious was the 1974 crash ofTurkish Airlines Flight 981, when an aircraft design flaw led to a faulty cargo door breaking off in flight nearErmenonville,France, resulting in the deaths of 346 people. At the time of the accident, THY981 was the worst plane crash of all time.[25]
A new government came to powerin 1983 which recognized THY's importance as Turkey's gateway to the world, beginning the airline's makeover into a modern operation. It would go on to maintain one of the youngest fleets in the world. Security was intensified, causing one shipper to compare it to Israel'sEl Al, at least in terms of delays.[23]
THY built a new, state-of-the-art technical center atYeşilköy Airport in 1984. The airline was capable of both light and heavy maintenance on many different aircraft types. The technical staff then made up one-quarter of the airline's 6,000 employees, according toAir Transport World. In 1984, the company's capital was raised to 60 billion TL as it was classified as astate economic enterprise. Three years later, the capital was raised again, to 150 billion TL.
By the mid-1980s, THY had a fleet of 30 aircraft. It was flying approximately three million passengers a year to 16 domestic destinations and three dozen international ones. The airline was Turkey's largest source of foreign currency. Turkish Airlines began operatingAirbus A310s in 1985, allowing the addition of flights to Singapore in 1986. A route toNew York City viaBrussels was added in 1987.[26]
The company posted losses in 1987 and 1988, largely due to high payments on its dozen new Airbus A310s, according toAir Transport World. The fleet also included 11Boeing 727s and nine Douglas DC-9s. THY ended the decade with 8,500 employees.[23]
The airline ordered fiveAirbus A340 aircraft with an option for five more in 1990 to be able to fly toNorth American andEast Asian destinations non-stop. The first A340 was delivered three years later, in 1993.[27]
The company suffered in the global aviation crisis following thePersian Gulf War and would notbreak even again until 1994. However, the business was again booming in the mid-1990s, with the greatest growth coming from North American destinations.[citation needed] THY launched a nonstop flight to New York City in July 1994.
The company's capital continued to be raised, reaching 10 trillion TL in 1995. During that year, the airline also converted three of its Boeing 727s to dedicated freighters. The DC-9s had been sold off. The company posted a $6 million profit on revenues of $1 billion for the year. While profitable, THY had to contend with Turkey's exorbitant inflation, making capital improvements difficult.
The domestic market was deregulated in 1996, allowing new scheduled competition from charter airlines. At the same time, larger international carriers were providing stiff competition on routes to Western Europe. THY entered into marketing agreements with other international airlines to enhance their competitiveness. The company teamed withJapan Airlines to offer service toOsaka andTokyo in 1997 and 1998. Other jointly operated flights soon followed withAustrian Airlines,Swissair, andCroatia Airlines.[23] In 1997, THY began to operate flights toChicago as its second destination in the US.[28]
Turkey underwentan economic crisis throughout most of 2001, leading to a reduction in traffic on domestic routes in particular. THY managed to survive after theSeptember 11 attacks on the United States without a government bailout or mass layoffs, although 300 middle management positions were eliminated, 400 part-timers were laid off and wages were cut 10 percent.Turkish Daily News credited the airline's survival to entrepreneurial management, which was quick to get rid of loss-making routes at home and abroad.[citation needed]
In 2003, thewar in Iraq prompted Turkish Airlines to close some routes in the Persian Gulf, while flights to Asia were suspended during theSARS epidemic. However, the airline soon recovered, increasing traffic on existing routes and adding service toDelhi after an 11-year lapse.
Another fleet expansion program kicked off in 2004, helping THY maintain one of the youngest fleets in Europe. In July that year, the airline announced a massive $2.8 billion order of 36 jets fromAirbus, plus an order for 15 Boeing 737s.
THY was not just ordering new planes. It was planning to spend $350 million on a new technical and training facility at Istanbul's underutilizedSabiha Gökçen International Airport. The airline had built up a significant technical services operation, maintaining not just its aircraft but those of third parties.Turkish Technic employed 2,700 workers and was planning to hire another 2,000 by 2010. THY also had three flight simulators and offered flight training services.
The airline faced the entry of new competitors into the liberalizing Turkish aviation market. However, tourism was rising, with 20 million people expected to visit the country in 2005 versus 12 million in 2003. THY divested its 50% holding inCyprus Turkish Airlines (Kıbrıs Türk Hava Yolları) in 2005.
Although the company was publicly traded at this time, the government-owned 98% of its shares. The privatization program was revived in 2004 with a public offering of 20% of shares on theIstanbul Stock Exchange. The Turkish government-owned 75% of shares after the offering, which raised $170 million. Currently, theTurkey Wealth Fund owns a 49.12% interest in THY, while 50.88% of shares are publicly traded.[31]
On 1 April 2008, Turkish Airlines joined theStar Alliance after an 18-month integration process beginning in December 2006, becoming the seventh European airline in the 20-member alliance.[32]
In December 2011, the Turkish government unveiled plans to modernize theAden Adde International Airport inMogadishu,Somalia, which became one of the newest flight destinations of the carrier in 2012. The rehabilitation project is part of Turkey's broader engagement in the local post-conflict reconstruction process. Among the scheduled renovations are new airport systems and infrastructure, including a modern control tower to monitor the airspace.[33] In March 2012, Turkish Airlines became the first international carrier to resume flights to Somalia since the start of that country'scivil war in the early 1990s.
By the end of 2013, Turkish Airlines had increased their number of flight points to 241 destinations worldwide (199 international and 42 domestic).[34] The airline began increasing operations atIstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport as it positioned it as a secondary hub.[35][36]
Following the2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt, theFederal Aviation Administration temporarily banned flights between Turkey and theUnited States. This posed a particular problem for Turkish Airlines as a key component of the airline's strategy was to deliver one-stop journeys between the US and hard-to-reach destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and India.[37] This ban was lifted on 18 July, and Turkish Airlines resumed flights to the U.S. on 19 July after a three-day disruption.[38]
In August 2016, Turkish Airlines announced a profit collapse to a loss of 198 million Euros for the second quarter of 2016 while expecting an overall loss of 10 million passengers for 2016.[39] The airline already announced significant reductions in operations for the upcoming 2016–2017 schedule period with frequency cuts to 45 European and 13 intercontinental routes.[40][41] Turkish Airlines also announced an overall record loss of 1.9 billion Turkish Lira ($644.4 million) for the first half of 2016.[42]
The following year saw the airline recover, with financial results for 2017 showing an almost 35% increase in turnover, and a return to profitability.[43][non-primary source needed]
Through the 2010s, Turkish Airlines grew its presence in Africa significantly, going from serving 14 African cities in 2011 to 52 six years later, with the airline claiming to serve the most African airports out of any non-African airline.[44][45][46] The airline's growth has been linked to Turkey's increased foreign policy and soft power focus on Africa.[47]
In 2020, the airline announced its intention to withdraw from international routes at Sabiha Gökçen Airport by transferring these routes to its low-cost subsidiary,AnadoluJet.[48]
In February 2022, Turkish Cargo, the airline's freight subsidiary, relocated all cargo flights and operations from their former base atIstanbul Atatürk Airport to the newIstanbul Airport.[49][50]
In February 2023, Turkish Airlines confirmed plans to spin offAnadoluJet from an incorporated brand name into an independent airline.[51]
As of 2024[update], Turkish Airlines flies to 340 destinations (including cargo) in 129 countries, including 53 domestic points.[98][99] In December 2024, the airline officially earned aGuinness World Record title for connecting the highest number of countries, 131.[100][101]
TheAirbus A350 is the newest addition to the fleet (pictured 2021)
As of May 2024,[update] Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 407[c] aircraft,[139] consisting of 13 passenger aircraft types.[141] The airline started operations in 1933 with five aircraft, which grew to 52 in 1945 after the addition ofDouglas DC-3s used in theSecond World War.[142][143] This made Turkish Airlines the largest carrier in the Middle East.[144] The first jet-engined aircraft of the airline was aDouglas DC-9, which joined the fleet in 1967.[145] The first wide-bodyDouglas DC-10 was added in 1972.[146] The airline made major changes to its fleet development in the late-1980s,[147] when the firstAirbus A310 arrived,[24] and theAirbus A340 was ordered.[148] The firstBoeing 737 arrived a few years later.[149]
Throughout 2004, the airline ordered over 50 aircraft both from Boeing and Airbus.[150] ThreeBoeing 777-300s were leased in 2008,[151] and later ordered 12 more from Boeing.[152] In 2013, the airline ordered almost 200 aircraft.[153][154] The airline ordered 25 each of theBoeing 787-9 andAirbus A350-900 in March 2018,[155] which started delivery in 2019 and 2020 respectively.[156]
The airline announced on 11 May 2023, that they will be purchasing around 600 new aircraft which will arrive in a period of 10 years. The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat has said that the majority of the aircraft will be Airbus and Boeing, with some considered being from "another manufacturer"[157]
In September 2025, Turkish Airlines placed a firm order withBoeing for 50Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including 35 787-9s and 15 787-10s, slated for delivery between 2029 and 2034.[8]
Miles&Smiles is the frequent-flyer programme of Turkish Airlines, inaugurated in 2000 after the airline leftQualiflyer.[158] Earned miles can be used on Turkish Airlines flights, as well as on flights operated by the entireStar Alliance network. Miles&Smiles Classic Plus members are entitled toStar Alliance Silver benefits, while Elite and Elite Plus Miles&Smiles status entitles the member toStar Alliance Gold benefits.[159][160]
Turkish Airlines Corporate Club is a programme created for corporates. The club allows its members to easily arrange business travel with special benefits.[165] The Corporate Club is a part of theUniversal Air Travel Plan Network (UATP).[166]
On 14 September 2018, Turkish Airlines andLega Basket Serie A,[189] the top-tier professional basketball league inItaly, signed a sponsorship agreement, making the airline an official partner for the2018–19 LBA season.[190][191]
In August 2019, Turkish Airlines reached an agreement withClub Atlético River Plate to become the main sponsor of theArgentine sports club for the next three seasons.[193]
Turkish Airlines Flight Academy (TAFA) was established by the 28th THY Board on 10 November 2004, and started training with 16 cadets on 1 May 2006. The academy is based atIstanbul Atatürk Airport and usesAydın Çıldır Airport for training activities.[195][196][197]
The ever-growing flight academy fleet consists of the following 25 aircraft, 19 of which are single-engine and 6 of which are multi-engine aircraft:[198]
Turkish Technic was based atIstanbul Atatürk Airport within two hangars. It bought out MNG Technic along with its hangars, and the main complex moved to SAW with the building of two new hangars.[202] Two smaller hangars are also located atAnkara Esenboğa Airport. Additional hangars are being built at the newIstanbul Airport to accommodate the operator's growing fleet.[203]
In its history, Turkish Airlines has suffered a total of 19 incidents and accidents of which 15 were fatal. A total of 68 crew, 835 passengers and 35 people on the ground have been killed.
On 3 February 1964, aDouglas C-47, registered as TC-ETI, on a domestic cargo flight, flew into terrain whilst on approach toEsenboğa Airport, Ankara. All three crew members on board were killed.[207]
On 16 January 1983,Turkish Airlines Flight 158, aBoeing 727-200 registered as TC-JBR, landed about 50 m (160 ft) short of the runway atEsenboğa Airport in driving snow, broke up and caught fire. All of the 7 crew survived; however, of the 60 passengers on board, 47 were killed.[215]
On 3 October 2006,Turkish Airlines Flight 1476 en route fromTirana,Albania toIstanbul was hijacked by Turkish citizen Hakan Ekinci in Greek airspace. The hijacker surrendered after a forced landing in Brindisi, Italy.[219]
On 25 February 2009,Turkish Airlines Flight 1951, aBoeing 737-800 registered as TC-JGE carrying 128 passengers and a crew of 7, crashed during final approach toAmsterdam Airport Schiphol,Netherlands. It was determined that a faultyradar altimeter caused the aircraft to throttle the engines back to idle and that the crew subsequently failed to react properly which resulted in an unrecoverable stall and the subsequent crash. Of the 135 people on board, 9 people, including the 3 pilots, were killed. Eighty-six more people were transported to local hospitals.[220][221][222][223]
On 3 March 2015, Turkish Airlines Flight 726 departed the runway on landing atTribhuvan International Airport,Kathmandu, Nepal. TheAirbus A330-300 operating the flight, TC-JOC, was severely damaged when its nose gear collapsed, causing damage to the fuselage and both wings. All 227 passengers and 11 crew members on board escaped with 1 injury reported.[224] The aircraft was scrapped afterwards.[225]
On 25 April 2015, Turkish Airlines Flight 1878, anAirbus A320-200 TC-JPE was severely damaged in a landing accident atIstanbul Atatürk Airport. All on board were successfully evacuated without any injuries reported.[226]
On 16 January 2017,Turkish Airlines Flight 6491, aBoeing 747-412F operated for Turkish Airlines underwet lease fromACT Airlines, crashed into a residential area upon attempting landing inManas International Airport inBishkek,Kyrgyzstan, killing all four crew members and 35 people on the ground.[227][228][229] In response, Turkish Airlines released a statement onTwitter that neither plane nor crew were theirs, calling it an "ACT Airlines accident".[230] However, the flight was still operated under a Turkish Airlines flight number, making it a Turkish Airlines flight underIATA rules.
On 21 November 2019, Turkish Airlines Flight 467, aBoeing 737-800, suffered a nose gear collapse while attempting to land in heavy crosswinds atOdesa International Airport inUkraine. All passengers and crew were deplaned using emergency slides without injury.[231] The aircraft, TC-JGZ, was declared a hull loss and scrapping was commenced in 2020.[232]
^abcdef"Board Activity Report"(PDF).Turkishairlines.com. 30 September 2019.Archived(PDF) from the original on 9 August 2020. Retrieved26 November 2019.
^"Our Story".Turkish Airlines. Retrieved18 October 2025.
^"Terms of Use". Turkish Airlines. Retrieved14 July 2024.[...]Turkish Airlines General Management Building Ataturk Airport, Yesilkoy, 34149 Istanbul, Türkiye.
^"Get in touch". Turkish Airlines.Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved9 June 2019.TURKISH AIRLINES HEADQUARTERS Turkish Airlines General Management Building, Ataturk Airport, Yesilkoy 34149 Istanbul Turkey –MapArchived 8 June 2019 at theWayback Machine
^Blachly, Linda (8 May 2018)."Airline Routes-May 8, 2018".Air Transport World. Archived fromthe original on 9 May 2018.Turkish Airlines and Belavia Belarusian Airlines signed a codeshare agreement, starting May 1, on Istanbul Ataturk-Minsk services operated by both airlines.
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