Turkish Airlines closed the 2025 financial year with an operating profit of USD 2.2 billion. Its traffic and sales figures underscore the airline’s claim of being one of the world’s leading carriers. They were presented last Thursday (05MAR26) at the company’s Istanbul headquarters. Despite difficulties in aircraft delivery and engine supply issues affecting the industry, the company’s fleet expanded by 5% in 2025, ending the year with 516 aircraft in operation.
In its full year consolidated results for 2025, Turkish Airlines achieved a record revenue of USD 24.1 billion, up 6.3% in a year-to-year comparison. Key driver of the revenue increase was the passenger business, which grew by 7.4%. In contrast, cargo figures decreased slightly, from USD 3.5 to USD 3.4 billion. The slowdown reflects the general decline in yields in 2025, while volumes went up by remarkable 16.6%, reaching 2.2 million tons.
Centennial vision
Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, commented on the results for the 2025 financial year: “Despite an exceptionally challenging and unpredictable market environment, our financial success in 2025 once again demonstrated our ability to adapt quickly to changing economic and geopolitical conditions thanks to our diversified revenue structure. In line with our long-term value creation goals, the investments we made and commercial partnerships we entered into in 2025, were milestones that further expanded our global reach and advanced our company’s progress toward our centennial vision.”
Turkish Airlines will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2033. By then and in line with its vision, the airline intends to operate 813 aircraft, transport 171 million passengers annually, and rank second in global seat capacity. This is backed by financial self-reliance.
Superior ground infrastructure
What the executive did not mention while commenting on the 2025 annual result, but which plays a key role in the growth of Turkish Airlines, is the new airport located north of Istanbul on the Black Sea. Thanks to innovative technology, 24/7 operation, three runways, and an expanded cargo infrastructure, it has developed into a global aviation hub offering Turkish Airlines tailored slot opportunities.
According to the EUROCONTROL European Aviation Overview Report, an average of 1,624 takeoffs and landings take place there every 24 hours.
This means that the Turkish hub has surpassed Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and even London Heathrow, in terms of daily flight operations. In cargo throughput, it ranks second in Europe, just behind Frankfurt.
MAD becomes joint hub
In the current year, Turkish Airlines will continue to grow organically, complemented by M&A activities. As seen on 06NOV25, when the carrier acquired a 27% stake in Spain’s Air Europa (IATA code: UX), thus solidifying its intercontinental network. However, the relevant competition authorities still must approve the step, which could take six to twelve months from the date of the agreement. But this is considered a mere formality.
The deal, valued at EUR 300 million, secures Turkish Airlines important intercontinental routes, linking Spain and Latin America including the Caribbean, Air Europa’s main international markets. Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) will become an important gateway for transiting Turkish Airlines / Air Europa travelers and cargo shipments alike.
Eyeing Sun Express
In addition, Turkish Airlines has its eye on leisure carrier Sun Express, which it wants to take over completely, local media report. Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines each hold a 50% stake in the company, which has been in the market since 1990 and achieves positive margins. Lufthansa’s reluctance can also be explained by the fact that its subsidiary, Eurowings, and Sun Express closely coordinate their capacities as part of their codeshare agreement covering routes between Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Antalya. In addition, Lufthansa bosses expect the joint venture to continue its growth trajectory and produce satisfying financial results.
