Turkish Airlines has published its winter 2026/27 schedule ahead of the IATA winter season start on 26 October 2026, with the carrier adding new point-to-point routes from Istanbul and adjusting frequencies on existing services. The schedule covers the period from 26 October 2026 to 28 March 2027.
The new schedule consolidates Turkish Airlines’ position as the airline with the most international destinations globally. The carrier currently serves over 340 destinations in more than 130 countries from its hub at Istanbul Airport (IST).
New and Expanded Routes
The winter 2026/27 schedule adds several new destinations not previously operated year-round, along with frequency increases on the most-travelled corridors. The following reflects the carrier’s published schedule as of 25 September 2026:
New routes from Istanbul (IST)
- Istanbul–Nouakchott (Mauritania): three weekly, new for winter 2026
- Istanbul–Paramaribo (Suriname): two weekly, new for winter 2026
- Istanbul–Kumasi (Ghana): four weekly, added alongside the existing Accra service
Frequency increases
- Istanbul–London Heathrow: from double daily to 21 weekly (three daily on peak days)
- Istanbul–Dubai: maintained at double daily with A350 upgrade replacing A321neo on one rotation
- Istanbul–New York JFK: daily, A350-900 throughout
Routes being restored after summer suspension Several routes that operated summer-only schedules are being restored for winter 2026/27, including services to destinations in Central Asia and sub-Saharan Africa that were affected by the summer jet fuel cost disruptions.
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Operations
Turkish Airlines continues to operate a smaller number of routes from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport on the Asian side of the city. Travellers arriving from or connecting via different Istanbul airports should allow significant time for surface transfers - a minimum of two to three hours is recommended given current Bosphorus crossing traffic patterns, with rail options available via the Marmaray tunnel.
Impact on Travellers from Istanbul
The winter schedule is relevant for travellers using Istanbul as a transit hub, which is the most common use case for non-Turkish travellers. Istanbul’s connection network means travellers from Europe, North America, or Australia can reach destinations across Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East with a single stop.
Flight prices for the October–November shoulder period are typically lower than the summer peak. Travellers booking now for late October through November are likely to find competitive fares for the October–November window.
Note on Current Booking Situation
Some routes affected by the summer 2026 fuel-related schedule cuts have not yet published their full winter availability. Travellers looking to book specific routes should verify current availability directly with the airline or preferred booking platform, as seat release dates vary by market.
For tours and activities during your Istanbul visit, our Istanbul tours guide covers the main options across both the European and Asian sides of the city. If you are planning to combine Istanbul with Cappadocia, our guide to Cappadocia tours covers the main activities in the region, which are best visited in October and November before winter balloon restrictions take effect.
To search fares for the winter 2026/27 season, compare flights to Türkiye - October and November departures are typically the cheapest window before the festive period. If you are visiting Istanbul, an eSIM for Türkiye from Airalo keeps you connected from the moment you land, without needing a local SIM.