Southwest Airlines will partner with Turkish Airlines beginning in early 2026 to offer one-ticket transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul, marking another step in Southwest’s expanding use of international airline partnerships rather than launching long-haul service of its own.
The agreement will allow travelers to book single itineraries connecting Southwest’s US domestic network with Turkish Airlines’ global route system via shared gateway airports in the United States. Tickets are expected to become available next year through Turkish Airlines, travel agents, and online booking platforms.
Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’s largest international networks, flying to more than 350 destinations in 132 countries from its hub at Istanbul Airport. The carrier currently serves 10 US airports that are also part of Southwest’s network, creating multiple connection points for passengers traveling onward to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Southwest Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said the partnership is intended to expand the airline’s global reach while introducing international travelers to the Southwest brand.
“Both Southwest and Turkish Airlines are known for the warmth of our employees, the authenticity of our hospitality, and the reliability of our airline operations,” Watterson said. “We’re grateful for this new relationship that will usher thousands of international travelers each week through experiences around the globe that showcase the best of both carriers.”
The partnership represents a continuation of Southwest’s evolving international strategy. While the airline has historically focused on point-to-point domestic flying using a single-type Boeing 737 fleet, it has increasingly turned to partnerships to extend its network beyond North America without operating long-haul aircraft.
Southwest has announced six overseas partnerships in 2025 alone, linking its network to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Recent agreements include arrangements with Condor for transatlantic connectivity, Philippine Airlines and EVA Air for Asia-bound travel, Icelandair for European connections, and Hahnair to expand global ticket distribution through travel agencies and booking platforms.
Unlike traditional code-share agreements, these partnerships are designed to allow customers to book single-ticket itineraries that include Southwest-operated segments alongside flights operated by partner airlines. The Turkish Airlines agreement follows that same model, providing coordinated ticketing and connections rather than Southwest-operated intercontinental flights.
Southwest is pairing its expanding partnership network with broader changes to its product offering. The airline has confirmed it will introduce a redesigned cabin experience and allow customers to book assigned seating and extra-legroom options on flights operating from January 27, 2026, changes that reflect a gradual shift from its long-standing single-class, open-seating model.
Turkish Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance, continues to grow its long-haul network and has positioned Istanbul as a global connecting hub between continents. The Southwest partnership gives Turkish Airlines access to additional US traffic while extending Southwest’s reach far beyond its own route map.
The two airlines said the partnership is scheduled to launch in 2026, pending final operational arrangements.
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