Turkish Airlines has achieved a milestone in 2025, transporting over 60.7 million passengers in the first eight months. This remarkable achievement marks a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, underlining the airline’s strength as one of the leading global carriers.
With a solid load factor of 82.7%, Turkish Airlines continues to demonstrate resilience and efficiency, positioning Istanbul as a vital hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Surge in International Transfers
A significant factor driving this growth has been the airline’s booming international transfer traffic, which rose 10.3% year-on-year. Between January and August, 23.1 million passengers traveled via Istanbul, benefiting from the city’s growing role as a major global transit hub.
The success of Turkish Airlines’ hub-and-spoke model ensures seamless connectivity, making Istanbul one of the most strategic centers for long-haul travel.
Strong Domestic and International Performance
Turkish Airlines maintained impressive seat utilization rates across its operations.
- International flights recorded an 82.3% load factor.
- Domestic flights outperformed with an 86.7% load factor.
Meanwhile, the airline’s Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) grew by 6.4%, reaching 179.2 billion, reflecting its ability to expand capacity without compromising efficiency.
Cargo Expansion Boosts Revenue Streams
Beyond passenger traffic, Turkish Airlines continues to strengthen its cargo and mail services. In the first eight months of 2025, freight volumes grew 5.4% year-on-year, totaling 1.4 million tons.
Cargo expansion is a critical part of the airline’s diversified growth strategy, supporting industries ranging from e-commerce to healthcare logistics.
Fleet Expansion and Operational Efficiency
As of August 2025, Turkish Airlines operated a fleet of 501 aircraft, enabling it to respond to rising demand. The fleet expansion reflects the airline’s long-term strategy of network growth and enhanced operational efficiency.
With plans to expand routes and increase flight frequencies, Turkish Airlines continues to cement its role as a global aviation powerhouse.
Record-Breaking Month: August 2025
August was particularly strong for Turkish Airlines:
- 9.4 million passengers were carried, an 11.9% increase year-on-year.
- Transfer traffic surged 17.3%, reaching 3.49 million international passengers.
- Load factors hit impressive levels, with 92.6% domestically and 86% internationally.
- Available seat kilometers rose by 8.2%, while cargo volumes climbed 10.5%, surpassing 191,000 tons.
This growth underscores Turkish Airlines’ ability to capitalize on peak travel seasons and expand its influence across markets.
Strategic Advantage of Istanbul
Turkish Airlines continues to leverage its strategic geographical advantage, with Istanbul serving as a gateway connecting three continents. This positioning allows the airline to attract both direct passengers and international transfer travelers, further solidifying its market dominance.
Outlook for the Remainder of 2025
With sustained demand in both passenger and cargo segments, Turkish Airlines is poised to close 2025 with record-breaking figures. The company’s robust performance in load factors, capacity utilization, and fleet growth indicates strong profitability potential.
Looking ahead, Turkish Airlines is expected to:
- Expand its global destination network.
- Increase frequencies on high-demand routes.
- Strengthen its cargo operations to meet growing global trade demands.
- Maintain its commitment to operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Turkish Airlines’ success story in 2025 reflects not just its strength as a carrier, but also its vital role in tourism, trade, and global connectivity. By combining record passenger growth with expanding cargo operations, the airline is firmly on track to reinforce its status as a leading global aviation giant.
With over 60 million passengers already transported and continued investment in its fleet and network, Turkish Airlines is not only breaking records but also shaping the future of global aviation.
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