Turkish Airlines, known for being one of the world's leading international carriers, is setting its sights on expanding its global reach to exciting new destinations. According to a recent report on Pilotcenter.net News, the airline is considering launching regular passenger flights from its iGA Istanbul Airport hub to Auckland in New Zealand and Minneapolis in the US.

At a Turkish Airlines Management Summit 2025 held in Antalya, Turkey, the airline's chairman Ahmet Bolat revealed plans to initiate services to Minneapolis in April or May of 2025, followed by flights to Auckland on New Zealand's North Island. Having already established routes between Melbourne, Sydney, and Istanbul via Singapore, expanding to New Zealand seems like a logical step for the carrier's growth in the South Pacific region.

Under a bilateral air services agreement dating back to 2010, Turkish and New Zealand-based airlines have the flexibility to operate flights between the two countries, offering a lucrative opportunity for Turkish Airlines to tap into a new market where Air New Zealand does not currently operate.

Turkish Airlines is known for its diverse fleet which includes Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-300ERs, and 787-9s for its antipodean routes. However, the carrier plans to introduce the new Airbus A350-1000s later in 2025, enabling non-stop services and potentially opening up new long-haul routes like Istanbul to Auckland, spanning over 10,000 miles.

In addition to its expansion to New Zealand, Turkish Airlines is also gearing up to add Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport as its latest US destination. With an already impressive presence in the United States, the airline operates flights to major cities including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and more.

With a growing number of passengers and an expanding fleet, Turkish Airlines continues to solidify its status as a key player in the global aviation industry. The airline, which began commercial operations in 1933, now flies to an extensive network of 350 destinations across 130 countries, making it a standout in the Guinness Book of World Records. With ambitious plans for further growth in 2025, Turkish Airlines remains a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of aviation.