Denver’s rise as a global aviation hub is solidified with the announcement of Turkish Airlines launching a new long-haul service from Istanbul to Denver. This new route will be the longest from the Colorado capital, spanning over 5,300 nautical miles with flight times of up to 12.5 hours. The Airbus A350-900 is expected to operate the majority of the flights, with the route initially being served three times weekly and a fourth weekly link due to be added in July.
The addition of Denver to Turkish Airlines’ route map is not unexpected, as the city had been previously mentioned as a target for expansion in the airline’s investor presentations. The city is strategically important for United Airlines, with Denver being the carrier’s fastest-growing U.S. airport since 2019. The partnership between Turkish Airlines and United through the Star Alliance will allow for easier transit connections and joint ticketing options, ultimately boosting the pool of passengers that can be channeled through Denver and increasing the popularity and profitability of the new long-haul route.
Denver’s rapid growth in air traffic has propelled the airport to the global top ten rankings. An analysis of Cirium Diio data shows that Denver is projected to be the seventh busiest airport globally in Q2 2024, surpassing hubs like Shanghai, Paris, Delhi, and New York JFK. Istanbul’s airline market has doubled in size over the past decade, making it a significant player in the global aviation industry. Turkish Airlines already serves 13 U.S. destinations, with Denver being the latest addition to the roster of cities connected to Istanbul.
The Skift Travel 200 (ST200), which tracks the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth over a trillion dollars, provides insights into the overall performance of the airline sector. The index includes network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies, offering a comprehensive view of the industry. By analyzing the financial performance of airlines within the ST200, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the sector’s health and trajectory, helping them make informed decisions regarding investments and strategic partnerships.
