Southwest Partners with Turkish Airlines to Offer Transatlantic Flights Starting in January
Southwest Airlines announced a new partnership with Turkish Airlines set to begin in early 2026. This alliance will allow passengers to travel with a single ticket between the United States and Istanbul, opening the door to onward connections within both airlines’ networks. The agreement marks a significant step in the North American carrier’s international strategy and expands global connectivity options for travelers.
Seamless Connections Between the United States and Istanbul
Starting in January 2026, customers will be able to travel from the United States to Istanbul and easily connect to other destinations via Turkish Airlines’ global hub at Istanbul Airport. Turkish Airlines operates flights to over 350 destinations in 132 countries from this main base, making the partnership a gateway to an extensive international network.
Ten U.S. airports served by Southwest are also part of this cooperation, which will facilitate connections for international travelers using these shared connecting points.
Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines, highlighted the shared values between both companies when announcing the agreement. According to the executive, both Southwest and Turkish Airlines are recognized for their warm employees, authentic hospitality, and reliable flight operations.
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Watterson also noted that this partnership will allow thousands of international travelers each week to experience the best of both airlines around the world, while also strengthening Southwest’s brand recognition globally.
Ticket Sales and Distribution Channels
Tickets for these transatlantic itineraries will become available next year and can be purchased through Turkish Airlines, travel agencies, and online sales platforms. This structure will allow passengers to manage their entire journey under a single purchase process, simplifying the experience from origin to final destination.
A Broader International Expansion Strategy
This year, Southwest has announced six agreements with foreign airlines that connect its network to destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The partnership with Turkish Airlines is part of this international growth strategy and strengthens the U.S. company’s presence in markets outside its traditional scope.
In-Flight Experience Enhancements
Alongside these partnerships, Southwest continues to introduce improvements in the quality and quantity of its travel products. These include a cabin redesign and the ability to reserve assigned seats with extra legroom on flights operating from January 27, 2026.
These innovations, together with the new transatlantic cooperation, reflect the airline’s focus on offering more options and a more comprehensive experience to its customers, both in the domestic and international markets.
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