Table of Contents
- Direct Flights from Busan to Europe! Launch of Gimhae-Istanbul Route Imminent
- Background for the Gimhae-Istanbul Direct Flight Initiative - Establishment of Regional Airport Transport Rights
- Expected Operation Plan for the Gimhae-Istanbul Route
- Significance of Establishing the Busan-Turkey Direct Flight Route
- User Checkpoints
- Expected Future Schedule and Conclusion
Direct Flights from Busan to Europe! Launch of Gimhae-Istanbul Route Imminent
A direct flight route connecting Busan Gimhae International Airport and Istanbul Airport in Turkey is set to open soon.
Starting from late October 2025, Turkish Airlines plans to operate a long-distance route from Gimhae Airport to Istanbul three times a week.
This route will be the first direct flight route to Europe offered from Gimhae Airport and boasts an impressive distance of approximately 8,200 km, garnering high expectations. Currently, final coordination is underway between Busan City, Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), and Turkish Airlines.
Background for the Gimhae-Istanbul Direct Flight Initiative - Establishment of Regional Airport Transport Rights
The opening of the flight route between Busan and Istanbul is due to the ICAN aviation meeting that will take place in October 2024.
During this meeting, an agreement was made to establish a dedicated transport right for Istanbul from regional airports in Korea and Turkey, operating three times a week.
This is the result of persistent requests from Busan City and KAC for the expansion of long-distance routes and is expected to be the first case of direct flights to Europe from Gimhae Airport.
Expected Operation Plan for the Gimhae-Istanbul Route
| Item | Details |
| Airline | Turkish Airlines |
| Flight Frequency | 3 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) |
| Aircraft | B787-9 or A350-900 |
| Estimated Time | Departure from Busan at 23:00 → Arrival in Istanbul at 05:30 (approximately 10 hours 30 minutes) |
| Launch Period | Scheduled for late October 2025 |
This schedule is based on estimates, and Turkish Airlines currently operates the same aircraft on the Incheon-Istanbul route. It is highly likely that the Gimhae-Istanbul route will also be operated using either the B787-9 or A350-900 aircraft.
However, the current schedule and aircraft are still under discussion, and final information will be available once updated in the GDS (Global Distribution System).
Significance of Establishing the Busan-Turkey Direct Flight Route
The convenience for passengers will greatly improve. Previously, there were no direct flights between Busan and Europe, requiring transit through Incheon or the Middle East. However, with the introduction of the new direct flight route, residents of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam are expected to save 4 to 8 hours on travel time when moving to Europe and the Middle East.
In particular, Istanbul serves as a hub airport connecting Europe and Asia, making transfers to over 340 cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa much easier. This will significantly enhance the convenience and efficiency of travel.
The long-distance direct flights from Gimhae Airport are expected to have a positive impact on logistics and the tourism industry. Busan City is preparing for the 2030 era of Gadeok New Airport, and this direct flight route signifies an important first step in expanding long-distance air services in the southeastern region.
User Checkpoints
Booking and Fare Information
Turkish Airlines typically registers fares about 5 to 6 months before launch. Therefore, bookings are expected to start between late May and early June 2025. The anticipated round-trip fare for economy class is approximately 1.1 to 1.3 million KRW, which is likely to be slightly higher than flights departing from Incheon.
As a member of the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines allows passengers to earn Asiana Airlines mileage. The business class will feature a 1-2-1 seat configuration with about 30 luxurious seats planned.
Expected Future Schedule and Conclusion
From June 2025, GDS input and bookings will begin. In August, approvals for the operating certificate (AOC) and airport security program from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport will be granted. In September, the slots will be finalized, and demonstration cargo flights will take place. Finally, the first regular flight will commence in October.
If the direct flight route connecting Gimhae Airport and Istanbul is established, it will mark the first direct flight between Busan and Europe. This will be an important first step in expanding Busan's long-distance air network.
With the direct flights from Busan to Istanbul, traveling to Europe will become much easier, and Busan's global accessibility is expected to improve significantly.
The final announcement from the relevant authorities is awaited, and attention should be paid to information regarding booking times and specific schedules.
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