Recent developments show the carrier pursuing growth across several areas while maintaining Istanbul's role as a hub connecting different regions. In an agreement finalized with Boeing in September, Turkish Airlines placed a firm order for 100 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, along with options for 50 additional aircraft, bringing the total potential order to 150 jets.
Boeing described the agreement as Turkish Airlines' largest-ever single-aisle Boeing order. The new aircraft are expected to support capacity across the carrier's short- and medium-haul network, while the agreement also gives Turkish Airlines the option to transition to the higher-capacity 737-10 in the future. The fleet investment comes alongside continued passenger growth. Turkish Airlines carried 64 million passengers between January and August 2026, while international passenger numbers increased by 6.1 percent year-on-year to 41.8 million. The airline served 358 destinations during the period, with its fleet reaching 566 aircraft.
Expanding Connectivity With China
China is also becoming an increasingly important part of Turkish Airlines' global network. The carrier expanded its existing codeshare agreement with Air China in September.Under the expanded agreement, all direct mainline flights between Türkiye and China will be included in the codeshare network, while connectivity to destinations across mainland China via Beijing and to international destinations through Istanbul will also be expanded.
Under the new structure, Turkish Airlines passengers will be able to connect via Beijing to Chinese cities including Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Qingdao. Air China passengers, meanwhile, will gain access through Istanbul to Ankara as well as a range of destinations across Africa and Latin America.The ability to connect the two airlines' networks under a single ticket further strengthens Istanbul's role as a gateway between China and markets across Europe, Africa and Latin America. Turkish Airlines and Air China also plan to include new direct routes between Türkiye and China in their expanded codeshare network as they are launched.
Turkish Airlines is also preparing to further expand its presence in China with the launch of Istanbul-Chengdu services on November 11. With Chengdu joining the network, the airline will serve four destinations in mainland China with direct flights.
Istanbul Airport at the Center of the Global Network
Turkish Airlines' expanding flight network is also supported by increased capacity at Istanbul Airport. The airport's fourth main runway entered service on September 18, bringing the total number of runways to six.
The new east-west runway is 2,820 meters long and 45 meters wide. It is designed to reduce taxi and airborne holding times, particularly for eastbound flights, while increasing operational flexibility and supporting flight operations during adverse weather conditions.
Istanbul Airport currently provides connectivity to more than 340 destinations through more than 110 airlines. Its expanding infrastructure is also significant for Turkish Airlines as the carrier continues to connect international markets through Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines Named Europe's Best Airline
Turkish Airlines' global expansion is also accompanied by international recognition for its passenger experience and service. At the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in London on September 18, the airline was named Europe's Best Airline for the 11th time.
Turkish Airlines also received the awards for World's Best Business Class Onboard Catering and Best Airline in Southern Europe at the ceremony, taking its total number of awards to eight. The carrier also ranked fifth in the Skytrax ranking of the world's best airlines.
Taken together, fleet investments, new destinations, expanded codeshare agreements and increased capacity at Istanbul Airport point to a broader expansion of Turkish Airlines' global network. Connections stretching from China to Europe, Africa and Latin America further reinforce Istanbul's role at the center of the carrier's international network.
