Turkish Airlines to Start Operating Flights to and from Australia
Key Points
- Turkish Airlines will start operating flights to and from Australia this year.
- The European carrier’s entry into the Australian market is expected to lower the cost of international airfares.
- Experts are split on when they think prices could start to come down.
We’re only a few weeks into the new year, but if you’re a keen traveller or just in need of a holiday, you might already be planning your next international trip.
Unfortunately, flying from Australia to far-flung destinations such as Europe and North America has become quite expensive, especially compared to pre-pandemic prices.
Higher Prices for International Flights from Australia
According to data released by online travel company Kayak in May last year, return flights from Australia to overseas destinations cost over 50 per cent more than they did in 2019.
“Around those kind of more popular travel periods, if you can score yourself a return fare to Europe, generally, for around $2,000, you’ll feel like that’s a good deal,” said Angus Kidman, a travel expert at financial comparison site Finder.
However, with Turkish Airlines entering the Australian market this year and other airlines like Singapore, Qantas, and Thai increasing their capacity, prices could potentially start to decrease.
Kidman expects Turkish Airlines’ flights to be cheaper than its competitors, as they have operated in other markets without being at the top end of pricing.
Timing and Considerations for Traveling to Europe
Those hoping for cheaper flights to Europe during the peak summer months may need to wait. Kidman suggests that flights during this period tend to sell out quickly, making it less likely to find cheap fares.
If you have a specific timeframe in mind for your European trip, it is advisable to start looking for flights now as prices may not decrease further. However, if you are flexible and willing to wait, it might be worth considering other options.
Kidman predicts that it will take a few months for other airlines to respond to the competition from Turkish Airlines and start reducing their prices. The significant impacts on airfare prices are expected to be more noticeable in the second half of this year and the first half of next year.
Gui Lohmann, a researcher at the Griffith Institute for Tourism, is more conservative in his predictions, stating that it will take time for significant changes to occur in the market.
Conclusion
While Turkish Airlines’ entry into the Australian market is expected to bring competition and potentially lower airfare prices, it may take some time for these changes to be fully realized. The availability of cheaper flights to Europe during peak summer months may be limited, but overall, the increased competition is likely to have a positive impact on international airfares.
About the Author – [Author Name]
[Author Name], a travel enthusiast and expert in the field, shares insights and analysis on the latest trends in the travel industry. With a passion for exploring new destinations and a keen eye for budget-friendly options, [Author Name] provides valuable information to help travelers make informed decisions. Stay tuned for more travel tips and updates from [Author Name].
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
