Tuesday, January 21, 2025 Turkish Airlines has announced plans to introduce passenger flights to Auckland in New Zealand and Minneapolis in the United States by 2025. During the Turkish Airlines Management Summit 2025 held in Antalya, Turkey, the airline’s chairman, Ahmet Bolat, confirmed that the Minneapolis service would begin in April or May 2025, followed by the Auckland route later in the year. This move aligns with the carrier’s strategy to enhance its presence in the South Pacific and North America, two key regions for its international growth.
The airline had already established connections in the South Pacific by launching flights between Istanbul and Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney (via Singapore) in 2024. Adding Auckland to its route network is a logical progression, strengthening its footprint in the region. The route would initially operate through Singapore, taking advantage of the bilateral air services agreement signed in 2010, which allows airlines from both Turkey and New Zealand to operate flights to and beyond each other’s territories.
Strengthening Air Travel Links to New Zealand and the US Turkish Airlines aims to capitalize on the untapped potential between Turkey and New Zealand. Despite the agreement that enables airlines from both countries to operate flights, no New Zealand-based airline currently flies to Turkey. Turkish Airlines is set to bridge this gap, offering travelers a new gateway to the South Pacific.
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