Turkish Airlines announced new nonstop flights between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Istanbul International Airport (IST) beginning June 11, 2024. This service will mark the first-ever flights between Denver and Istanbul. Passengers on this route can explore Istanbul’s ancient historical sites including the Grand Bazaar and many of the modern trendy neighborhoods offering great dining, music and entertainment.
“This is a historic announcement for the Mile High City and truly enhances Denver’s competitive position on the global stage,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “The investment by Turkish Airlines will further strengthen our diversity, both commercially and culturally, and provide new opportunities for trade and travel.”
Turkish Airlines will become the 26th airline to serve DEN and flights are scheduled to initially operate three days per week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, onboard a 316-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft. A fourth frequency, on Sundays, will be added on July 9, 2024.
Denver will become the 14th U.S. destination served by Turkish Airlines. This continued expansion reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to connect travelers from North America to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Currently Turkish Airlines serves more destinations than any other airline in the world from its Istanbul hub.
“We are very glad to celebrate yet another important gateway opening in the United States, as we continue our mission of connecting more people and more destinations through our robust global route network,” said Turkish Airlines Vice President Sales of the Americas Fatih Durmaz. “The Denver expansion represents our first-ever endeavor in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States as we increase our presence across the continent.”
According to DEN analysis, the new Turkish Airlines service to Istanbul is estimated to produce more than $54 million in annual economic impact to Colorado’s economy and support the creation of approximately 350 new jobs across the state, generating more than $21 million in additional wages. With these new flights, DEN will offer nonstop access to a total of 31 destinations in 17 countries, including eight destinations across seven countries in Europe.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Turkish Airlines as DEN’s newest airline partner,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “Our Vision 100 strategic plan goal of expanding our global connections continues to reap rewards not only for our passengers, but for everyone who works to support the extraordinary growth at DEN.”
Passenger demand between Denver and Istanbul has increased by 50 percent since 2019 per industry data. These new flights are expected to further stimulate new demand for business, tourism and other types of travel, including medical and educational visits.
“The new nonstop flight from Denver to Istanbul International Airport will better connect Coloradans to Türkiye, Central Asia and Eastern Europe as well as help grow Colorado’s international trade and increase access to Colorado’s iconic great outdoors,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “I hope to take this flight one day and look forward to strengthening connections between Colorado and Türkiye.”
At 6,130 miles, Turkish’s Denver-Istanbul flight will be the longest flight operated from DEN, nearly 400 miles longer than the flight between Denver and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. Flights are scheduled to depart Denver at 7:35 p.m. and arrive in Istanbul at 4:15 p.m. the next day. Returning flights from Istanbul will depart at 1:55 p.m., arriving in Denver at 5:40 p.m.
“This new service to Istanbul, a dynamic city where east meets west, presents a tremendous opportunity for increased collaboration and exchange between our regions,” said Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President & CEO J. J. Ament. “Today’s announcement is a testament to DEN’s ongoing ambitious efforts to secure new airlines and global destinations that help bring the world closer to home.”
Turkish Airlines offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance passenger experience. The carrier is now offering a new menu of gourmet dishes prepared onboard by their Flying Chefs. Turkish Airlines Business Class service includes full-flat seats, entertainment systems and travel amenity kits. Additionally, passengers who book certain connecting flights from select U.S. destinations will be offered the airline’s Stopover Accommodation Service that provides two nights of lodging for Economy Class passengers and three nights for Business Class passengers.
Turkish Airlines will become the fifth airline in the Star Alliance operating at DEN. Other Star Alliance carriers at DEN are Air Canada, Copa, Lufthansa and United.
