Turkish Airlines to launch flights to Yerevan and Istanbul from March 11, 2026

Turkish Airlines announced on March 11 that it will launch direct services to Yerevan, Armenia, as well as to Istanbul, Türkiye. The move marks a notable expansion of the airline’s regional network and reflects renewed interest in fostering cross-border travel across the Caucasus and adjacent markets. In a concise corporate release, the carrier said that the new services would begin on the stated date, but it did not provide a full timetable, flight frequencies, or aircraft assignments in the initial communication. The addition of Yerevan to Turkish Airlines’ international network places the carrier among the most prominent airlines pursuing closer aviation ties between Armenia and Türkiye, a trend that observers say could reshape travel and business corridors in the region. Industry analysts caution that the ultimate viability of the routes will depend on how quickly schedules, airport slots, and regulatory clearances are resolved, along with sustained demand for direct travel between Yerevan and Istanbul via Türkiye’s flagship hub.

With the Istanbul service, Turkish Airlines simultaneously expands its reach to Türkiye’s largest city, presenting an important feeder and transfer point for travelers heading to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The initial release, however, did not specify how many flights would operate weekly, which cities would serve as launch points, or the aircraft types that would be deployed on the routes. The airline also did not outline whether the service to Yerevan or Istanbul would be seasonal or year-round. Travelers looking to book the new routes should anticipate additional information released by Turkish Airlines in the near term as the carrier completes its timetable and confirms airport slots and gate assignments.

Analysts say the development aligns with broader efforts to expand air connectivity across the Caucasus and across Türkiye’s regional network. Direct links between Armenia and Türkiye have historically faced political and logistical hurdles, but in recent months there has been a push from policymakers and business groups to improve cross-border travel. Turkish Airlines has positioned Istanbul as a global gateway, leveraging its network to connect travellers from Armenia and the South Caucasus to destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa. If the new routes proceed as planned, Yerevan could gain greater access to international markets via Istanbul, while Istanbul could see increased traffic from travelers and goods seeking more direct access to Armenian markets.

Operational and regulatory factors will be critical in shaping how the service unfolds. The launch is contingent on securing appropriate bilateral aviation agreements, slot allocations at the involved airports, and the readiness of ground services to accommodate the additional flights. Turkish Airlines has not indicated whether the routes will be operated year-round or seasonally, and there is no confirmation yet of onward connections from Istanbul beyond Türkiye. In the meantime, industry observers expect the airline to publish a detailed timetable, fare structures, and booking windows as it finalizes its network plan for the spring and summer travel seasons.

For passengers, the introduction of direct flights to Yerevan and Istanbul can broaden travel options and reduce the need for longer itineraries with multiple stops. Businesses in Armenia and Türkiye may benefit from easier travel for meetings, trade, and operations, while tourism stakeholders in Yerevan could anticipate new demand from visitors who prefer direct international access. The development also signals a possible recalibration of competition among carriers serving the region, with other airlines potentially adjusting schedules, prices, and service levels in response to the new Turkish Airlines services. As the March 11 start date approaches, travellers and industry players will be watching closely for practical details that determine how quickly the routes gain traction.

Ultimately, the March 11 launch could recalibrate regional travel dynamics by linking Armenia and Türkiye more directly to Istanbul’s global hub, but its success will hinge on timely scheduling, competitive pricing, stable regulatory conditions, and sustained demand from both business and leisure travellers.