Turkish Airlines has announced plans to launch nonstop flights between Istanbul and Sydney starting in late 2027, directly challenging Qantas' Project Sunrise. The route will be one of the longest nonstop commercial flights in the world, covering a distance of approximately 14,500 kilometers.
The airline has not yet specified the aircraft type for the route, but it is expected to require a next-generation long-range jet capable of flying for over 17 hours. Turkish Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 787-9s, though these may need modifications or a future variant to achieve the necessary range.
The announcement positions Turkish Airlines as a direct competitor to Qantas, which has been developing its Project Sunrise initiative to offer nonstop flights from Australia's east coast to London and New York. Qantas has already ordered Airbus A350-1000s for these routes, with deliveries expected from 2026.
Istanbul's geographic location gives Turkish Airlines a strategic advantage for connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to Australia. The new service could capture transit traffic that currently flows through hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Why it matters
For the travel trade, the Istanbul-Sydney nonstop represents a significant shift in long-haul connectivity. It opens a direct link between Türkiye and Australia, potentially boosting tourism and business travel. Tour operators and DMCs can now offer itineraries that bypass traditional stopover hubs, reducing travel time. The move also intensifies competition on ultra-long-haul routes, which may lead to fare adjustments and increased capacity. However, the success of the route will depend on aircraft performance, fuel costs, and demand elasticity for premium and economy seats on such a long sector.
