Flights will operate from Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur from 4 December. The 329-seat Airbus A350-900 will be on the ground for one hour 20 minutes in the Malaysian capital on the Australia-bound leg and for two hours inbound.

Flights will depart Istanbul at 15.15 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Inbound flights will operate on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with a 10.15 arrival in Istanbul.

There will be ample UK connections, as Turkish operates up to 45 times a week from Heathrow, 25 a week from Manchester, 18 from Birmingham, 10 from Edinburgh and daily from Gatwick.

Turkish Airlines already boasts more international routes than any other carrier and its debut on the Sydney route means an alternative to the Middle East carriers for UK travellers looking for budget fares.

The carrier has a London-Sydney lead-in launch fare of £804, valid for travel until 31 May 2025 and should help stem the tide of soaring fares seen since the pandemic due to the lack of capacity.

Turkish Airlines also began serving Melbourne in March and the airline plans to remove the Malaysia stop on the Sydney service when longer-range A350-1000s enter the fleet in 2026.

“Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg,” said Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines chairman.

“This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines.”