Turkish Airlines was named in Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards in the “Top 10 International Airlines” category. The airline’s international hub at Istanbul Airport, which can connect travelers to more than 60 destinations within a three-hour flight, was awarded second place in the “Top 10 International Airports” category.
The World's Best is a travel awards program run by the travel magazine Travel + Leisure and is based on an annual reader survey. This year marks the 26th annual survey, and readers are invited to rate travel companies and brands from airlines, airports, hotels, tour operators, destinations and cities.
In addition to Turkish Airlines’ and Istanbul Airport’s laurels, the city of Istanbul took first place in the “Top Cities of Europe” category, noting that the “city's striking new airport provides a welcome to the city that's so smooth that many survey respondents include their arrival among their fondest trip memories.” Turkish Airlines’ world-class Lounge Istanbul is located at the new airport, which is expected to be the largest in the world upon completion. Istanbul, a crossroad of where the East meets the West, is joined by a second Turkish city in the World’s Best Awards ranking: Bodrum, a resort area located on the Aegean coast.
Commenting on the news, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee M. İlker Aycı commented, “It is a joy to be named among the best of the best in Travel + Leisure’s annual reader survey and we are proud to continue offering our world-famous Turkish hospitality, world-class amenities and extensive route network to our guests and readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. And after a flight aboard Turkish Airlines, passengers can enjoy the sights and sounds of Istanbul, a city most deserving of Travel + Leisure’s top city of Europe designation as well enjoy the beauty of the Aegean coast with a visit to Bodrum.”
The global carrier recently announced its 11th gateway in the U.S., launching this month at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Turkish Airlines opened its 10th gateway in May at Newark Liberty International Airport.
