Istanbul, Türkiye – June 2025:
In a landmark move set to significantly improve international travel connectivity, Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal have expanded their strategic codeshare partnership, now offering seamless travel across an expanded network of destinations. The announcement, made during the IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing global mobility, tourism, and business links between Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Africa.
Under the newly enhanced cooperation, new destinations have been added to the codeshare scope, including Brazil, Morocco, Qatar, Mauritius, and the popular Turkish holiday spots Bodrum and Dalaman. This agreement boosts both airlines’ ability to offer travelers more flexible, efficient, and integrated travel experiences across their networks.
A Partnership Connecting Continents
Already long-time partners in intercontinental aviation, Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal are taking their collaboration to the next level. Turkish Airlines, known for flying to more countries than any other airline, and TAP, Portugal’s national carrier and a leader in transatlantic travel to Brazil, will now collectively offer more convenient one-stop connections between key leisure and business markets.
This expanded codeshare enables passengers from Türkiye to enjoy easier access to Portuguese-speaking South America, while Portuguese travelers can now more easily explore the Middle East, Africa, and beyond via Istanbul’s growing global hub.
New Codeshare Routes Include High-Demand Leisure and Emerging Markets
The updated agreement includes:
- Brazil: Passengers can now enjoy enhanced access to TAP’s extensive network in Brazil, a country where the Portuguese airline is the largest European operator. Destinations such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Salvador will now be easier to reach for Turkish Airlines passengers.
- Morocco: Portugal-based travelers will benefit from greater access to North Africa, especially Casablanca and Marrakesh, as part of Turkish Airlines’ growing African network.
- Qatar: The inclusion of Doha adds a Middle Eastern business and transit hub, appealing to both leisure and corporate travelers.
- Mauritius: One of the Indian Ocean’s most scenic destinations, Mauritius is now part of the travel offering, ideal for honeymooners and upscale tourists.
Additionally, Türkiye’s Bodrum and Dalaman, two of the Mediterranean’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations, have been added—an appealing draw for Portuguese and international travelers seeking summer sun and authentic Anatolian hospitality.
Leaders Applaud the Strategic Expansion
Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, praised the collaboration’s evolution:
“We are pleased to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with TAP Air Portugal. The expanded agreement offers greater flexibility and wider travel options, while contributing to stronger tourism and economic ties between our nations. This cooperation highlights our joint vision to connect people and cultures worldwide.”
Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal, emphasized the importance of strategic alliances in expanding TAP’s global footprint:
“Our network structure means we must find intelligent ways to connect Portugal to the East. Partnering with Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s most connected carriers, allows us to offer our passengers new and exciting global routes—benefiting both our Portuguese diaspora and international clientele.”
Enhanced Travel Opportunities for Tourists and Business Travelers
This partnership is not just about increasing flight options—it’s about fostering cross-cultural engagement, economic collaboration, and international tourism development. With both Türkiye and Portugal being top-tier European travel destinations in their own right, the expanded codeshare opens up integrated access to regions that are rising in popularity among global travelers.
The codeshare simplifies itineraries for:
- European tourists flying to Brazil or Mauritius
- Middle Eastern business professionals traveling via Doha
- Latin American travelers visiting Türkiye’s cultural heritage sites
- African visitors exploring Lisbon, Porto, or Istanbul
Travelers will benefit from:
- Single-ticket bookings
- Coordinated check-in and baggage handling
- Smooth transits via key international hubs
- Earn and redeem frequent flyer miles across both carriers’ loyalty programs
Global Tourism Impact and Aviation Recovery Momentum
This partnership comes at a crucial time as international aviation continues its robust post-pandemic recovery. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global tourist arrivals are projected to exceed pre-2019 levels by the end of 2025, with Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America seeing the highest growth rates.
By jointly aligning their networks, Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal are actively tapping into this renewed demand and contributing to sustainable tourism development across continents. The cooperation also reflects a wider industry trend of airline alliances, joint ventures, and partnerships designed to increase resilience and expand global outreach.
Conclusion: A Win for Global Travelers
The expanded codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and TAP Air Portugal is a significant leap forward for international air travel, offering greater convenience, enhanced connectivity, and new horizons for millions of global passengers. Whether jetting off for business, cultural discovery, or seaside relaxation, travelers can now enjoy a wider range of routes supported by two of Europe’s most respected carriers.
As Turkish Airlines continues to lead with global reach, and TAP strengthens its transatlantic dominance, this partnership is a model for how cooperation, not competition, is reshaping the future of aviation.
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