Turkish Airlines has officially launched flights to Timișoara, Romania, expanding its Romanian network to four cities and increasing its total weekly flights to the country to 47. The inaugural ceremony took place at Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport with representatives from the airline and the airport in attendance.
The new route operates five times per week with the following schedule:
- TK 1013: Depart Istanbul 07:40, arrive Timișoara 09:25 (Tuesday, Saturday)
- TK 1014: Depart Timișoara 10:15, arrive Istanbul 12:05 (Tuesday, Saturday)
- TK 1015: Depart Istanbul 19:25, arrive Timișoara 21:10 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
- TK 1016: Depart Timișoara 22:00, arrive Istanbul 23:50 (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
To mark the launch, Turkish Airlines is offering promotional fares starting from USD 169 for the Istanbul–Timișoara–Istanbul route, available on its official website. Prices may vary at sales offices and travel agencies.
Timișoara, located in western Romania along the Bega River, is known as “Little Vienna” and was named European Capital of Culture in 2023. The city features vibrant squares such as Union Square and Victory Square, and its dynamic cultural scene and architectural landmarks position it as an emerging hub for international tourists and business travelers.
Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, commented: “Romania continues to be one of the strategically important markets for Turkish Airlines in Eastern Europe. The launch of our Timișoara flights expands our presence to a fourth city in the country, offering our guests more travel options while strengthening access to our Istanbul-centered global network. We believe this new route will contribute to both commercial and tourism activity in the region.”
The expansion is expected to increase tourist arrivals and business travel, strengthening Romania’s global connectivity. Timișoara’s tourism infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues, is set to benefit from the influx of international visitors, particularly from Asia and the Middle East who can connect via Istanbul.
Why it matters
For the travel trade, the addition of Timișoara to Turkish Airlines’ network deepens the carrier’s footprint in Eastern Europe and provides tour operators and DMCs with a new gateway to western Romania. The 47 weekly flights across four cities give the trade more flexibility for multi-city itineraries and group bookings. The promotional fare of USD 169 is likely to stimulate early demand, while the Istanbul hub offers seamless connections for long-haul markets, potentially boosting inbound tourism to Romania from Asia and the Middle East. The move also signals Turkish Airlines’ continued commitment to expanding in the region, which could influence competitor strategies and airport development plans.
