Quick Read
- Gulf Air expanded its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, adding new European destinations via Istanbul.
- Turkish Airlines will launch daily Istanbul–Yerevan flights starting March 11, 619, supporting regional normalization.
- Turkish Airlines opened its first UK CIP lounge at Edinburgh Airport, enhancing passenger comfort and hospitality.
- HAVELSAN’s A320 simulator for Turkish Airlines earned EASA Level D certification, advancing pilot training.
In a year marked by bold moves and renewed connections, Turkish Airlines is not just flying passengers—it’s actively reshaping the aviation landscape across Europe and the Caucasus. From expanded codeshare agreements to historic new routes, and even a premium lounge debut in the UK, the national carrier of Türkiye is writing a new chapter in its global story.
Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air: Building Bridges Across Continents
On December 22, 2025, Gulf Air announced a significant expansion of its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines, enabling travelers departing Bahrain to reach more European and regional destinations through Istanbul Airport. This enhanced partnership now allows Gulf Air passengers to connect via Istanbul to Budapest, Prague, Venice, Vienna, and Rize—each city offering its own distinct appeal, from cultural landmarks to natural beauty.
The partnership isn’t just about numbers and schedules. By coordinating flights and aligning itineraries, both airlines are aiming for a more seamless experience: single bookings, through check-in, and streamlined baggage handling. Istanbul Airport, already a crossroads for Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, cements its status as a global hub, delivering more options for travelers who want flexibility and convenience without the headache of multiple transfers.
As Martin Gauss, CEO of Gulf Air, emphasized, “By using Istanbul as a key hub and working closely with Turkish Airlines, we can make more cities accessible through a single, seamless travel plan.” For Turkish Airlines, the deal brings greater access to Gulf Air’s regional network, deepening ties between the Gulf and Europe—an industry trend that sees strategic collaborations replacing traditional, siloed competition.
Istanbul–Yerevan: A New Era in Regional Connectivity
March 11, 2026 will mark a milestone in regional relations as Turkish Airlines launches daily direct flights between Istanbul and Yerevan. This move, confirmed by Türkiye’s special envoy Serdar Kılıç, is more than a new line on the route map—it’s a tangible step in the ongoing normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia.
Historically, air links between the two countries have been sporadic, with the land border closed since 1993 and only intermittent charter or seasonal flights. Regular scheduled services are a fresh chapter, reflecting diplomatic efforts that began with special envoys in 2021. Since then, both sides have eased travel procedures, reopened air cargo routes, and engaged in talks about reopening the land border. Officials stress that restoring transportation and trade links is crucial for broader reconciliation and economic integration in the South Caucasus.
For travelers, families, students, and small businesses, Turkish Airlines’ entry into the Istanbul–Yerevan route means more capacity, better schedules, and improved connectivity—not just between the two capitals, but across the airline’s vast network. Regional analysts predict these flights could foster stability and economic growth, making it easier for people and ideas to move across old divides.
Elevating the Passenger Experience: Edinburgh Lounge Debut
Turkish Airlines is also investing in comfort and hospitality, evidenced by the opening of its first UK CIP lounge at Edinburgh Airport. Developed with Plaza Premium Group, the lounge covers 673 square meters and accommodates up to 149 guests. It’s a haven for Business Class travelers, Miles&Smiles members, eligible Star Alliance guests, and Plaza Premium partners.
The lounge isn’t just a waiting room—it’s a showcase of Turkish hospitality. Guests can savor Halal-certified hot and cold dishes, artisanal desserts, and traditional Turkish tea and coffee, all inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Central Asia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Dedicated spaces cater to business travelers, families, and those seeking privacy or prayer, while panoramic windows offer views of Edinburgh’s runways and landscape.
Akif Konar, COO of Turkish Airlines, described the lounge as “an important milestone” and a reflection of the airline’s commitment to elevating the passenger experience. Plaza Premium Group’s expertise ensures that service standards meet the expectations of discerning travelers, reinforcing Turkish Airlines’ brand as a leader in international aviation hospitality.
Training for Excellence: Advanced Flight Simulators
Behind the scenes, Turkish Airlines continues to invest in safety and professionalism. HAVELSAN, a Turkish technology company, recently delivered an Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulator to the airline’s training center in Istanbul, earning the coveted EASA Level D certification. This simulator supports training on multiple engine configurations and integrates the innovative STARVIEW Collimated Display System, also receiving top European certification for the first time.
With three HAVELSAN-manufactured A320 simulators now in operation, Turkish Airlines is doubling down on its commitment to pilot training and flight safety. These investments ensure that the airline’s crews are equipped to deliver the highest standards—whether flying new routes or navigating complex international schedules.
Connecting the Dots: Turkish Airlines’ Expanding Global Role
From Bahrain to Budapest, Yerevan to Edinburgh, Turkish Airlines is weaving a web of connectivity that reflects both commercial ambition and diplomatic nuance. The expanded codeshare with Gulf Air opens doors to a wider European network, while the Istanbul–Yerevan flights signal a thaw in regional relations and offer practical benefits for travelers. The premium lounge in Edinburgh elevates the ground experience, and state-of-the-art simulators keep the airline’s standards at the cutting edge.
As 2025 turns to 2026, Turkish Airlines is more than a carrier—it’s a bridge, a host, and an agent of change in a region hungry for new connections.
What stands out most is Turkish Airlines’ ability to blend commercial strategy with diplomatic progress. While codeshares and lounges serve immediate passenger needs, the Istanbul–Yerevan route is a bold step in breaking down barriers that have existed for decades. In an industry where routes are often dictated by demand, Turkish Airlines is showing that sometimes, the sky is also a place for reconciliation.
Sources: FTN News, ILKHA, Passenger Terminal Today, Halldale, Caliber.az