Southwest Airlines has announced a new partnership with Turkish Airlines that will begin in early 2026, allowing travelers to book single-ticket transatlantic journeys between the United States and Istanbul with onward global connections.
Under the agreement, passengers will be able to seamlessly connect between the two carriers through shared gateway airports in the United States served by Southwest and Turkish Airlines. Tickets will be available through Turkish Airlines’ sales channels, as well as via travel agents and online travel platforms, starting next year.
Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’s most extensive international networks, flying to more than 350 destinations across 132 countries from its hub at Istanbul Airport. The airline currently serves ten U.S. airports that are also part of Southwest’s domestic network, creating multiple connection points for international travelers.
“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,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines. He added that the partnership is expected to route thousands of international travelers each week across the combined networks, while significantly increasing global awareness of the Southwest brand.
The agreement marks the latest step in Southwest’s international expansion strategy. The carrier has announced six partnerships with overseas airlines this year alone, linking its U.S.-focused network with destinations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Alongside network expansion, Southwest is also rolling out product upgrades. From January 27, 2026, the airline plans to introduce a redesigned cabin interior and the option to book assigned seating and extra-legroom seats, enhancing the overall travel experience for both domestic and connecting international passengers.
The Southwest–Turkish Airlines partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward interline and codeshare-style collaborations, as airlines seek to extend their global reach without launching long-haul operations of their own.
