Turkish Airlines’ Melbourne Launch to Boost Victoria’s Economy by $86 Million Annually

Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight to Melbourne has set a new milestone, not only marking the airline’s first foray into Australia but also projecting a significant economic impact for the state of Victoria. The service from Istanbul, Turkish Airlines’ 346th global destination, is expected to inject over A$132 million ($86 million) into Victoria’s economy every year. This considerable contribution is anticipated to generate upwards of 840 jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors, highlighting the substantial positive effect on local employment and economic growth.

Operating initially three times a week via Singapore, Turkish Airlines plans to shift to direct flights once new long-range aircraft are available, with the inaugural journey undertaken using Boeing 777-300ER equipment. The transition to 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft later this month promises an upgrade in service quality and efficiency.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus emphasized the cultural and social significance of this new route, citing Melbourne’s status as the Australian city with the largest Turkish community. The service is expected to be particularly popular among those traveling to connect with friends and relatives, strengthening cultural ties and fostering people-to-people links between Australia and Turkey.

The recent approval by the Australian government to increase weekly flight frequencies from Türkiye underscores the growing aviation partnership between the two countries. This expansion allows for up to 35 flights per week by the winter season of 2025-26, covering Australia’s major international gateways and introducing significant cargo capacity.

In addition to bolstering tourism and aviation employment, the new route is set to enhance trade relations between Victoria and the Türkiye, Middle East, and Africa region, which is already one of the state’s major trading partners. With two-way merchandise trade valued at A$5.48 billion in the last financial year, the introduction of daily flights by Turkish Airlines will further increase the region’s air freight capacity, supporting local businesses and industries in expanding their global reach.

This strategic expansion by Turkish Airlines into Melbourne signifies a key development in international aviation, promising economic, social, and cultural benefits for both regions.