Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, and Latvia’s national airline airBaltic have announced a significant expansion of their existing codeshare agreement, initially launched in 2023. This development introduces multiple new routes and enhances connectivity between Türkiye, Northern Europe, the Baltic States, Georgia, and Central Asia, delivering greater travel convenience and network reach for passengers across both airlines.
Since 2023, Turkish Airlines and airBaltic have shared flight codes on routes between Istanbul and Riga, Latvia’s capital. The newly extended agreement broadens this partnership, enabling each airline to tap into new markets and provide travelers with a seamless and enriched flight experience through coordinated scheduling and ticketing.
New Destinations Opening Up for Passengers
Under the expanded codeshare, Turkish Airlines will now place its flight code on select airBaltic-operated services connecting Riga with additional destinations in Northern Europe and the Baltics. These include Turku (TKU) and Tampere (TMP) in Finland—two vibrant Finnish cities known for culture and innovation—and Palanga (PLQ), a popular Lithuanian seaside resort city. This move significantly strengthens Turkish Airlines’ footprint in the Nordic and Baltic regions, offering passengers more options for travel beyond major hubs.
Conversely, airBaltic gains the ability to place its code on Turkish Airlines flights operating from Istanbul to strategic cities in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. These new routes encompass Tbilisi (TBS) and Batumi (BUS) in Georgia—both important gateways to the Caucasus—as well as Ashgabat (ASB) in Turkmenistan, Baku (GYD) in Azerbaijan, Dushanbe (DYU) in Tajikistan, and Bishkek (FRU) in Kyrgyzstan. These additions will provide Baltic travelers with unprecedented access to Central Asian destinations, fostering new tourism and business connections.
Strategic Benefits and Regional Connectivity
This expanded codeshare agreement is a strategic initiative designed to enhance regional and global connectivity. Turkish Airlines, boasting the world’s largest network by country count, continues to strengthen its position as a key bridge between continents. The partnership with airBaltic complements Turkish Airlines’ existing European network, adding depth in the Baltic and Nordic countries while simultaneously opening new avenues into Central Asia through airBaltic’s reach.
Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, said, “We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with airBaltic, expanding travel opportunities for our customers. This partnership exemplifies our ongoing commitment to bridging continents and cultures with an extensive global network. Together, we offer passengers enhanced choices and smoother journeys across Europe and Asia.”
Pauls Cālītis, Interim CEO and COO of airBaltic, added, “The growth of our partnership with Turkish Airlines marks an exciting chapter for Baltic travelers. This cooperation not only increases access to global destinations but also brings Türkiye’s travelers closer to Northern Europe and the Baltics. We look forward to continuing this successful alliance and delivering an exceptional travel experience.”
Seamless Travel and Passenger Convenience
Beyond route expansion, the codeshare agreement streamlines travel by allowing passengers to book combined itineraries on both airlines with a single ticket. This integration simplifies check-in procedures, baggage handling, and connection timings, reducing travel stress and enhancing overall convenience.
The agreement also anticipates regulatory approvals for the new Central Asian routes, signaling readiness to meet growing passenger demand for diverse international travel options that link emerging markets with established hubs.
Positive Impact on Tourism and Economic Ties
The codeshare expansion is expected to boost tourism flows and business travel between Türkiye, the Baltic nations, and Central Asia. With improved access and more flight options, travelers are encouraged to explore cultural, leisure, and commercial opportunities across these regions.
Moreover, stronger air connectivity facilitates trade, investment, and economic cooperation. By bridging important markets, Turkish Airlines and airBaltic support broader diplomatic and economic relationships, contributing to regional development and cultural exchange.
Outlook and Future Collaboration
Looking forward, both Turkish Airlines and airBaltic are optimistic about furthering their partnership to expand routes and passenger services. As the global aviation sector continues to recover and evolve, such strategic alliances will be pivotal in meeting increasing travel demands and delivering enhanced network efficiency.
Passengers planning journeys between Istanbul, Riga, and the new destinations in Finland, Lithuania, Georgia, and Central Asia can expect more flexible schedules, competitive fares, and a superior travel experience.
Conclusion
The extension of the Turkish Airlines and airBaltic codeshare agreement marks a major advancement in connectivity across Türkiye, Northern Europe, the Baltic States, Georgia, and Central Asia. With new routes to Turku, Tampere, Palanga, Tbilisi, Batumi, Ashgabat, Baku, Dushanbe, and Bishkek, this partnership unlocks fresh travel possibilities, supports tourism growth, and strengthens economic ties across continents.
For travelers seeking seamless access to these diverse regions, the expanded codeshare represents enhanced convenience, more destination choices, and a collaborative commitment to passenger satisfaction in an increasingly interconnected world.
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