Turkish Expands Codeshares with Icelandair, TAP

‍ISTANBUL — Turkish Airlines (TK) has announced new codeshare expansions with Icelandair (FI) and TAP Air Portugal (TP), expanding connectivity between the three airlines and several key markets.

The agreements, announced at the IATA AGM in New Delhi, will see the Icelandic flag carrier begin serving Istanbul (IST) nonstop from Reykjavik (KEF) seasonally, twice a week, starting September 5, with the TK code attached. On the other hand, FI will add its code on a multitude of flights from Istanbul to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Icelandair CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, said, “The expansion of our codeshare partnership to multiple destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, reflects our shared commitment to service excellence, building a stronger global network and unlocking new opportunities for growth.”

This is the second codeshare announcement from FI this week, following its expansion of its agreement with Southwest Airlines (WN) on three routes to the US East Coast. The rapid growth is reflective of the development of the Icelandic tourism market in recent years, and Icelandair’s key role in driving it.

On the Portuguese side, the new deal will see an expansion of TP and TK’s existing Star Alliance codeshare, along with the addition of Dalaman and Bodrum, popular summer destinations in the Turkish network, to the agreement.

“Because of our network structure, we need to find intelligent ways to connect us to the east. Cooperating with great partners is our way forward to do that.” Commented Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal.

Turkish Airlines itself flies to more countries than any other global carrier, with 131 destinations, earning a Guinness World Record for its extensive network size.