It can be expected that flights to Greece from Australia will reduce thanks to the introduction of Turkish Airlines
QANTAS and Emirates have new competition with Turkish Airlines given the thumbs up to start flying to Melbourne from March, something which will see prices to Europe lower.
The airline's inaugural service to Australia is scheduled to depart Istanbul on Friday, March 15, arriving into the Tullamarine airport the following day for the return service, the carrier announced on Friday.
Turkish Airlines will use a Boeing 787-9 for the route, which will operate with a 90 minute stopover in Singapore.
The confirmation comes just weeks after the Albanese government granted the airline approval to fly to Australia.
Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat said the carrier was looking forward to heading Down Under.
"As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are excited to add Melbourne to our flight network," he said. "Trade and business opportunities will boom as we bring Turkish and Australian people closer."
Flights to Melbourne will initially operate three times a week, with the potential for daily flights in the future.
TK168 will leave Istanbul at 5.30pm local time on Fridays, landing into Tullamarine 19 hours and 10 minutes later at 8.40pm the following day.
The return flight TK169 will then leave Melbourne at 10.30pm on Saturdays, touching back down in Istanbul 20 hours and 45 minutes later at 11:15am the following day.
Overseas airfares from Australia are set to get cheaper as airlines look to boost capacity.
Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Thai Airways are expected to add more flights in the coming months, while Turkish Airlines will enter the market, potentially…
The flight from Istanbul to Melbourne will also depart on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Flights between Istanbul and Melbourne without a required stopover in Singapore are planned once Turkish Airlines receives new aircraft capable of the long-haul trek.
The Allan government said the introduction of a daily service would add 109,500 seats to Melbourne annually, and inject more than $132 million a year into the state's economy.
"Attracting a major international carrier like Turkish Airlines to Melbourne is a huge win for Victoria," Jobs and Industry Minister Natalie Hutchins said.
"It shows the strength of our tourism and export markets, whilst boosting local jobs across our state."
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