Turkish Airlines continues to solidify its leadership in African aviation, now operating the largest flight network outside the continent, which plays a crucial role in connecting Africa to global markets. With an expanding presence across the continent, the airline not only boosts trade and logistics but also fosters diplomatic ties between Türkiye and Africa. This extensive network supports strategic partnerships, enhances regional connectivity, and positions Turkish Airlines as a key player in driving economic growth and collaboration between Türkiye and the African nations.
At the 5th Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum, Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure emphasized the country’s growing relationship with Africa and its global success in civil aviation. The Minister highlighted that Turkish Airlines (THY) now operates to the second-largest number of African countries and destinations, just behind Ethiopian Airlines. He underscored Türkiye’s strategic location and its approach, which is rooted in the principle of “African Solutions to African Problems.” This approach, he stated, ensures that civil aviation cooperation between Türkiye and African countries will lead to valuable commercial partnerships.
Türkiye’s unique geographic position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa offers access to 67 countries with a combined population of 1.5 billion people, all reachable within a four-hour flight. The Minister pointed out that Africa, with its growing geopolitical significance and key trade routes, is becoming a focal point for global attention.
Türkiye supports the philosophy of “African Solutions to African Problems,” aiming to foster an environment of equal partnership and mutual benefit. The Minister noted that Türkiye’s diplomatic, trade, and investment ties with African countries have strengthened significantly under its Partnership Policy. He further emphasized that President Erdoğan has made more than 50 visits to African nations, setting a record for the highest number of visits by any international leader. These visits reflect Türkiye’s increasing influence in all sectors, including civil aviation, as it deepens its cooperation with the African continent.
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Beyond Turkish Airlines, other carriers such as AJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress also operate flights from Türkiye to Africa. While AJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress focus primarily on North Africa, Turkish Airlines connects the entire continent. Turkish Airlines holds the distinction of having the largest network in Africa outside the continent. The Minister shared that Turkish Airlines serves 39 destinations across 53 African countries, making it the second-largest airline in terms of destinations and countries flown to, after Ethiopian Airlines.
This extensive network also goes beyond passenger services; Turkish Airlines plays a crucial role in supporting trade and logistics across Africa through its cargo operations. This allows African nations to better access global markets, while strengthening Türkiye’s economic and diplomatic relations with the continent.
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The Minister credited Türkiye’s aviation success to the country’s consistent investments since 2002, totaling $25 billion. These investments have transformed Türkiye into a global leader in the aviation sector. Over the years, Türkiye has opened approximately 1.4 new airports annually, expanding the country’s aviation infrastructure. Today, Türkiye operates 58 active airports, with two additional airports under construction.
A key highlight of Türkiye’s aviation achievements is Istanbul Airport, which will soon become the busiest airport in Europe by 2024. The airport has already surpassed Frankfurt in cargo and freight transportation and has become the seventh busiest airport globally. Furthermore, Istanbul Airport will begin operations with three independent runways starting on April 17, 2025, further solidifying its position as a major global aviation hub.
Over the past two decades, Türkiye has gained extensive experience in every aspect of aviation, from airport design and construction to air traffic management. Türkiye is eager to share this wealth of knowledge with African countries and is open to exploring all forms of cooperation in the aviation and transport sectors.
The Minister also highlighted how disruptions in global supply chains have emphasized the need for more resilient and sustainable transportation and logistics alternatives. Given the opportunities available in Africa and the global demand for alternative routes, improving transportation connectivity is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of Türkiye-Africa relations.
To this end, the Minister announced that a special session for Africa was held during the Global Transport Connectivity Forum in Istanbul in June. As a result, a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Transport Connectivity was signed with several African countries, including Mauritania, Somalia, the Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Liberia, Guinea, and Ghana. This agreement aims to enhance transport connectivity across various sectors, especially maritime and air, and to develop critical logistics lines that support both regional and global trade.
Turkish Airlines is solidifying its position as a leader in African aviation by operating the largest flight network outside the continent, which enhances global connectivity and strengthens Türkiye’s economic and diplomatic ties with Africa. This extensive network plays a vital role in boosting trade, logistics, and regional partnerships.
Türkiye is actively working to expand this initiative, with diplomatic efforts underway to involve all African countries in the collaboration. By creating stronger transportation links between Türkiye and Africa, both regions can reap the benefits of enhanced trade, investment, and development. The Minister concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to working with African nations to improve transport infrastructure, foster growth, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development.
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