Last Updated on Şubat 18, 2025 by Ideal Editor
Turkish Airlines Passenger Growth in 2024
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey, has once again demonstrated its dominance in the global aviation industry. In 2024, the airline successfully transported 83.4 million passengers, marking a 2% increase in Turkish Airlines passenger growth in 2024. This growth was largely driven by the company’s strategic expansion of destinations, improvements in fleet size, and enhanced passenger services. With international travel bouncing back post-pandemic, Turkish Airlines capitalized on the demand by increasing its flights and reaching 352 destinations worldwide.
This blog post provides a comprehensive analysis of Turkish Airlines’ performance in 2024, highlighting its passenger statistics, cargo operations, fleet expansion, and financial performance. We will also delve into the airline’s role in boosting Turkey’s aviation industry and discuss future growth prospects.
Turkish Airlines Passenger Growth in 2024
Steady Rise in Passenger Numbers
Turkish Airlines recorded a total of 83.4 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 2% increase compared to 2023. This steady growth aligns with the airline’s global expansion strategy and increased demand for air travel.
Breakdown of Passenger Traffic
- International Passengers: The airline served 31.7 million international passengers, an increase of 6.4% compared to the previous year.
- Domestic Passengers: Domestic travel remained stable, with strong demand from local travelers.
- Monthly Growth: In December 2024 alone, Turkish Airlines carried 6.4 million passengers, a 5.3% increase year-on-year.
Load Factor Performance
- Overall Load Factor: 82.2% (-0.4 percentage points compared to 2023)
- International Load Factor: 81.8%
- Domestic Load Factor: 85.8%
The slight dip in the overall load factor indicates an increase in available seat capacity as the airline expanded its fleet.
Turkish Airlines’ Expanding Global Network
Turkish Airlines expanded its network by adding new international routes, bringing the total number of destinations to 352, a 4% increase year-on-year. This expansion aligns with its strategy to become a leading global carrier, competing with the likes of Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Key Market Expansions
- North America: Increased frequency to major U.S. and Canadian cities.
- Europe: Strengthened connectivity across European hubs.
- Asia & Middle East: Opened new routes in key emerging markets.
This continued expansion has solidified Turkish Airlines’ position as a global aviation leader, connecting travelers to diverse destinations efficiently.
Cargo and Mail Operations
Turkish Airlines’ cargo division also experienced remarkable growth, with cargo and mail transport reaching 2 million tonnes, marking a 20.6% annual increase. This surge was driven by increasing global trade and demand for air freight services.
Key Cargo Statistics:
- Annual Growth: +20.6%
- E-commerce and Medical Supplies: Boosted air freight demand.
- Strategic Partnerships: Strengthened logistics networks across continents.
Turkish Airlines Cargo plays a crucial role in global supply chains, transporting essential goods efficiently worldwide.
Fleet Expansion & Future Growth
Current Fleet Size
As of December 2024, Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 492 aircraft, one of the most modern and diverse fleets in the industry.
Future Fleet Expansion
The airline has placed orders for 342 new aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to growth and operational efficiency.
- Fuel-Efficient Models: Investment in next-generation aircraft.
- Expansion Strategy: Enhanced capacity to meet increasing demand.
This fleet expansion will enable Turkish Airlines to further solidify its presence in global markets.
Financial Performance in 2024
Revenue Growth
Turkish Airlines generated $17 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2024, marking an 8% increase year-on-year. This growth was primarily driven by higher passenger traffic and expanded international operations.
Profit Performance
Despite revenue growth, the airline’s net profit declined by 3% to $2.7 billion due to:
- Rising Operational Costs (fuel prices, airport fees)
- Fleet Expansion Expenses
- Global Economic Fluctuations
However, Turkish Airlines remains financially strong and is expected to recover further in 2025.
Turkey’s Aviation Industry in 2024
According to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, passenger traffic at Turkish airports grew 7.5% year-on-year, surpassing 230 million passengers in 2024. This reflects Turkey’s strong aviation growth and increasing tourism demand.
Turkish Airlines’ strong passenger growth, expanding global network, and fleet expansion reinforce its status as a leading international airline. While profitability faced challenges, the airline’s long-term expansion plans and focus on operational efficiency position it well for future success.
With its continued investment in new routes, modern aircraft, and premium services, Turkish Airlines is set to strengthen its market position in 2025 and beyond.
