Inside the Rise of Turkish Airlines: From Regional Carrier to Global Giant

Once a small national airline serving just a handful of routes, Turkish Airlines has grown into one of the largest and most connected carriers in the world. Known for its vast network and strong hub at Istanbul, the airline has become a favorite among spotters thanks to the sheer variety of aircraft and destinations passing through its home base.

Here’s a look at how Turkish Airlines went from a regional operator to a global giant — and how enthusiasts can enjoy spotting at its main hub.

Humble Beginnings

Tim Rees (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons

Turkish Airlines was founded in 1933 as “State Airlines Administration” with just five aircraft — a mix of Curtiss Kingbirds and Junkers F13s.

By the 1950s, it had transitioned to Douglas DC-3s and DC-4s, connecting Turkish cities and a handful of regional destinations. The introduction of jets came in the 1960s with the Douglas DC-9 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10, and later the Boeing 707 for international routes.

Expansion Into Europe and Beyond

Turkish Avro RJ70. Photo (c) Konstantin von Wedelstaedt collection

The 1980s and 1990s were transformational years. Turkish Airlines joined the jet age in earnest, acquiring Boeing 727s, 737s, and Airbus A310s.

In 2008, the airline joined Star Alliance, dramatically increasing its reach and codeshare connections. Around the same time, its hub at Istanbul Atatürk Airport became a key stopover point between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

A Modern Global Network

Today, Turkish Airlines:

• Operates to over 300 destinations in more than 120 countries, making it one of the most connected airlines on Earth.
• Has a diverse fleet including Airbus A321neos, A350-900s, Boeing 737 MAXs, 777-300ERs, and 787-9 Dreamliners.
• Runs a busy schedule connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas with high-frequency waves of flights through Istanbul.

Spotting Opportunities at Istanbul Airport (IST)

The move from Atatürk to the new Istanbul Airport (IST) in 2019 created a huge, modern hub designed to handle Turkish Airlines’ future growth. For spotters, IST is a paradise:

• Volume: Hundreds of Turkish Airlines flights daily, from regional hops to long-haul widebodies.
• Variety: You’ll see everything from A321neos to A330s, 777s, and 787s — often parked side by side.
• Special Liveries: Turkish Airlines is known for attractive special schemes, including Star Alliance liveries and sports sponsorships.
• Viewing Points:
  • Some perimeter roads offer glimpses of arrivals and departures.
  • The airport’s terminal windows provide good views of the busy ramps and taxiways.
  • Hotels near the airport are starting to become popular with spotters for photography opportunities.
• Other airline: In addition to Turkish Airlines, you’ll find lots of rare airlines visiting Istanbul from across the Middle East and Africa.

[Read: New Istanbul Airport – Complete Spotting Guide]

Why Spotters Love Turkish Airlines

Spotting from the top floor of the car park at Oslo Gardermoen

For aviation enthusiasts, few airlines offer the same combination of:

• Network variety – connecting almost every corner of the world.
• Fleet diversity – with multiple Airbus and Boeing types to log.
• Traffic density – IST is rarely quiet, meaning lots to photograph and track.

The Future of Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines continues to expand, with more 787s and A350s on order and plans to make Istanbul a mega-hub rivaling Dubai and Doha. For spotters, that means even more aircraft, routes, and movements to enjoy in the years ahead.

✈️ If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, make sure to spend time at the new airport — it’s one of the best airports in the world for sheer traffic variety.

Title image: (c) Sergey Kustov