Turkish Airlines has broken the Guinness World Record for the most countries flown to, thanks to a new route connecting Santiago and Istanbul. This milestone expands the airline’s global network, now covering 131 countries.
New Record Set with Inaugural Santiago-Istanbul Route
Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement after the launch of the Santiago-Istanbul route. The inaugural flight landed at Santiago Airport at 09:45. The route, serviced by an Airbus A350-900 with 324 seats, operates four times a week.
The airline now operates in 131 countries, with 120 active routes in the past year alone, as verified by Guinness World Records. This achievement reflects Turkish Airlines‘ extensive global network and services over the past decade, which have earned it the title of the most widely flown carrier, continuously expanding its reach across continents.
CEO Bilal Eksi expressed pride in the achievement.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition here in Santiago, a testament to our mission of connecting people, cultures and destinations worldwide”
The new route is expected to have a positive economic impact, with Chilean officials emphasising its potential to boost tourism, trade, and job creation. Chile’s Minister of Transport, Juan Carlos Muñoz, said the route will improve global connectivity, while Economy Minister Nicolás Grau noted the significant opportunities for commerce and international tourism it will provide.
Flight Schedule Details
- Flights from Santiago leave at 11:40 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. There’s a 1.5-hour stop in São Paulo before arriving in Istanbul at 11:20 the next day.
- Flights from Istanbul depart at 20:35 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. After a stop in São Paulo, they arrive in Santiago at 09:45.
Turkish Airlines has held the title of the airline flying to most countries for over a decade. With 120 active routes in the past 12 months, the airline has built a reputation for expanding its network rapidly. This record follows the airline’s consistent growth since its founding in 1933.
Talal Omar, Vice President of Guinness World Records for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, praised the airline for its vision and described the milestone as a testament to Turkish Airlines’ global significance in aviation.
