Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Turkey

Direct flight routes to Turkey

Currently there are no non-stop flights between Australasia and Turkey.

Layover/stopover options

Singapore Changi (SIN): Primary hub for Singapore Airlines with efficient connections averaging 2-3 hours. Features world-class amenities including butterfly garden and free city tours for layovers over 5.5 hours.

Dubai (DXB): Emirates’ main hub offering multiple daily connections to Istanbul. Typical layover times 3-4 hours. Extensive duty-free shopping and complimentary hotel for qualifying long layovers.

Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways hub with consistent connections to Turkey. Average transit time 2-4 hours. Modern airport with quiet rooms and luxury lounges.

Abu Dhabi (AUH): Etihad Airways base with reliable Turkey connections. Transit times usually 3-5 hours. Offers free transit visa for stopover passengers.

Time vs money

One-stop flights typically offer the best balance between travel time and cost. Two-stop options can reduce ticket prices by 20-30% but add 6-10 hours to total journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Middle Eastern carriers often offer better value than Asian airlines on this route


• Book layovers of at least 3 hours in major Gulf hubs due to frequent security checks


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Dubai to break up the journey without significant price increase


• Flights with layovers in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok typically offer lower fares but longer total journey times


• Book mixed carriers (different airlines for different legs) to potentially save 15-25% on ticket prices

• Singapore Airlines offers excellent value via Singapore to Istanbul with total flight time around 18-19 hours, featuring their superior Economy product (32″ pitch, 18″ width). Their connecting flights often price 15-20% below direct options while providing access to their flagship SilverKris lounges during layovers.
• Consider flying Qatar Airways via Doha from Melbourne or Sydney, using their modern A350-1000 aircraft equipped with spacious 3-3-3 configuration in Economy. Their current promotion offers flights from AUD 1,450 return when booked 3 months ahead, making it one of the most cost-effective options.
• Book Emirates’ fifth freedom routes from Christchurch to Istanbul via Dubai, which typically price 10-15% lower than departures from major Australian cities. The Christchurch departure allows access to Emirates’ A380 service with better seat availability and frequently features special promotional fares.
• Utilize Thai Airways’ competitive pricing through Bangkok, with particularly good deals from Perth and Brisbane starting around AUD 1,300 return. Their recently upgraded 787 Dreamliner service offers improved humidity levels and larger windows, making the long-haul journey more comfortable.
• Look for Etihad Airways’ partner deals when booking through Virgin Australia’s Velocity program, offering significant points earning and competitive redemption rates. Their Abu Dhabi connection provides convenient timing for Istanbul flights and often features quiet morning arrival slots.

1. Booking the cheapest multi-stop route Long layovers in airports like Guangzhou or Manila can add unnecessary stress and travel time when better options via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha are available.
2. Flying into Sabiha Gokcen instead of Istanbul Airport While sometimes cheaper, Sabiha Gokcen is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and requires significantly more travel time to reach popular tourist areas on the European side.
3. Traveling during Ramadan or religious holidays Booking flights during major Islamic holidays or festivals leads to peak pricing and limited availability as these are the busiest travel periods for routes between Turkey and Asia-Pacific.
4. Missing connection protection on separate tickets Booking separate flight tickets to Turkey through different airlines without adequate connection time can result in missed flights with no airline liability for rebooking.
5. Overlooking seasonal flight schedules Many carriers reduce their frequency or suspend routes to Turkey during winter months (November-March), leaving travelers with fewer options and higher fares if not booked well in advance.

Emirates

Best for: Most extensive network from Australasia to Turkey with excellent connectivity.

Serves 8 Australian/NZ airports to Istanbul (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington) with Dubai stopover. Economy offers generous 34-inch seat pitch, quality entertainment system, and well-rated multicultural meals. Consistently receives 4/5 passenger ratings for Australia-Turkey routes, with most praising efficient connections in Dubai averaging 2-3 hours.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior onboard comfort and service quality in Economy Class.

Operates from 6 Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Wellington) to Istanbul via Doha. Features spacious 32-inch pitch seats with adjustable headrests. Passengers regularly rate their Economy experience 4.5/5, highlighting excellent cabin crew service and premium dining options. Doha layover typically ranges 3-4 hours.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Most reliable punctuality and smoothest connection experience.

Connects 5 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland) to Istanbul through Singapore. Economy cabin offers 32-inch pitch with ergonomic design. Known for consistent on-time performance and efficient 2-hour connections in Singapore. Passengers rate the airline 4.3/5, particularly praising their special meal options and cabin cleanliness.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Direct service from Singapore and most extensive Turkish destination network.

While requiring a stopover in Singapore, operates from 4 major Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland). Stands out for offering connections to multiple Turkish cities beyond Istanbul. Economy features 31-inch pitch but receives high marks (4.2/5) for authentic Turkish cuisine and comprehensive entertainment selection. Singapore layover averages 3 hours.

Leveraging APAC airlines for cheaper flights to Turkey

Savvy travelers from Australia and New Zealand can significantly reduce their travel costs to Turkey by strategically using Asian carriers and creating multi-city itineraries.

The key is breaking down the journey into segments and utilizing regional airlines known for competitive pricing. Here’s how to maximize savings:

1. Book separate legs – Instead of a single ticket to Istanbul, book a flight to a major Asian hub like Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur using carriers such as AirAsia, Scoot, or Jetstar Asia
2. Take advantage of stopover deals – Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines often offer free or discounted stopover packages, letting you explore an extra destination
3. Connect via Middle Eastern hubs – From Southeast Asia, use carriers like Air Arabia or Pegasus Airlines to reach Turkey at lower rates than full-service carriers

While this strategy requires more planning and may mean separate bookings, savings can reach up to 40% compared to traditional single-ticket options. Just ensure adequate connection times and check baggage policies when booking separate carriers.