Tourexpi
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines to launch transatlantic partnership in 2026
Southwest Airlines and Turkish Airlines have announced
a new partnership set to begin in early 2026, opening up seamless transatlantic
travel options between the United States and Istanbul. The cooperation will
allow passengers to book single-ticket itineraries that combine flights
operated by both carriers, with connections available through shared gateway
airports in the U.S.
Under the agreement, travelers will be able to fly
with Southwest from its domestic network to selected U.S. airports served by
Turkish Airlines and continue onward to Istanbul. From there, Turkish Airlines
offers connections to more than 350 destinations in 132 countries via its
global hub at Istanbul Airport. Tickets are expected to go on sale in 2026
through Turkish Airlines, travel agents and major booking platforms.
“Both Southwest and Turkish Airlines are known for the
warmth of our Employees, the authenticity of our Hospitality, and the
reliability of our airline operations,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating
Officer of Southwest Airlines. “This new relationship will introduce thousands
of international travelers each week to the strengths of both carriers while
increasing global awareness of the Southwest brand.”
The partnership with Turkish Airlines is the latest in
a series of international collaborations announced by Southwest this year. In
total, the airline has unveiled six partnerships with overseas carriers,
linking its network to destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and
Africa. The move is part of a broader strategy to expand customer choice and
enhance the travel experience, alongside product upgrades such as a redesigned
cabin interior and the introduction of assigned and extra-legroom seating from
January 27, 2026.
Turkish Airlines’ extensive long-haul and global
network, combined with Southwest’s strong domestic presence in the United
States, is expected to create new travel options for both leisure and business
passengers. The cooperation marks a significant step for Southwest in extending
its reach beyond the Americas while offering customers easier access to a wide
range of international destinations.
Image
Credit: © AA
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