Turkish Airlines to Launch Auckland, Minneapolis Flights in 2025
Turkish Airlines Expands Routes to Auckland and Minneapolis in 2025
In an exciting development for travelers, Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing international carriers, is set to introduce regular passenger flights to Auckland, New Zealand, and Minneapolis, USA, from its iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) hub. This strategic expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global connectivity, aiming to launch these routes in the upcoming months.
Turkish Airlines’ Upcoming Routes: Auckland and Minneapolis
During the recent Turkish Airlines Management Summit 2025 held in Antalya, Turkey, the airline’s chairman, Ahmet Bolat, revealed plans for these new destinations. The Minneapolis service is expected to commence in April or May 2025, followed by flights to Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island. This expansion follows the successful introduction of flights between Melbourne and Sydney in Australia and Istanbul (via Singapore) in 2024, reflecting Turkish Airlines’ commitment to growing its presence in the South Pacific.
Bilateral Air Services Agreement Benefits
Under a 2010 bilateral air services agreement, airlines from New Zealand can serve various points in Turkey, and vice versa. Despite this, Air New Zealand currently does not operate flights to Turkey, presenting a unique opportunity for Turkish Airlines to fill that gap. Initially, all flights to Auckland are anticipated to operate via Singapore, making the journey efficient for travelers.
Aircraft and Route Specifications
Turkish Airlines employs a fleet of Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-300ERs, and 787-9s for its long-haul routes. However, with the introduction of new Airbus A350-1000s later in 2025, the airline plans to enhance its service offerings, including potential non-stop flights to Auckland International Airport (AKL). The flight distance from Istanbul to Auckland is approximately 10,606 miles (16,970 km), showcasing the airline’s capability for ultra-long-range travel.
Strengthening U.S. Operations with Minneapolis
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) will become the newest addition to Turkish Airlines’ growing list of U.S. destinations. This route solidifies Turkish Airlines’ position as the largest carrier operating direct flights between the U.S. and Turkey. Currently, the airline serves 15 U.S. cities, including major hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Continued Growth and Expansion
Turkish Airlines has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with passenger numbers reaching 83.4 million in 2024—a 2.1% increase year-on-year. The airline attributes this growth to its international expansion strategy and plans to maintain this momentum into 2025. Since its inception in 1933, Turkish Airlines has grown to operate flights to an impressive 350 destinations across 130 countries, a record recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
With a fleet of 450 aircraft and an additional 347 on order, including 25 dedicated freighters operated by Turkish Cargo, Turkish Airlines is poised for further expansion in the competitive airline industry.
Share Your Thoughts!
What are your thoughts on Turkish Airlines’ new routes to Auckland and Minneapolis? Are you excited about their expansion? Share your insights in the comments below and explore more articles on international travel and airline developments!
For further information, you can read more about Turkish Airlines’ fleet and expansion plans on their official website or check out the latest travel news on Skytrax.
