Australia’s tourism industry has received a significant boost after two major airlines announced increased services to the country.

Turkish Airlines has kicked off its new route to Melbourne, marking its first destination in Australia, while Singapore Airlines will commence its expanded direct route from Singapore to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland from March 31 2024. 

Turkish Airlines operates three weekly flights to Melbourne, the only European airline to serve the city.

The flights operate from the airline’s home hub in Istanbul, via Singapore Changi International Airport, with Australia becoming the 130th country to join the Turkish Airlines network, which stretched across six continents.

Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Turkey-born community.

Changi Airport is Europe’s most served Asian airport, as well as Australia’s busiest international gateway.

Singapore Airlines service to Cairns will operate four times a week, an increase of 2,424 seats a week – with 15% in business class.

Tropical North Queensland is a region renowned for its natural beauty, superb beaches and the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

Cairns Airport international terminal is undergoing a major A$50 million upgrade, with phase one expected to be complete in mid-2024. The terminal will be transformed into a contemporary space that embodies Tropical North Queensland and is the first major upgrade of the building since it opened 30 years ago. 

On both the Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines flights convenient connections are offered from London Heathrow.

Turkish Airlines’ London Gatwick-Istanbul-Melbourne return fares start at £805pp return.

Singapore Airlines currently has London Heathrow-Singapore-Cairns return fares starting from £1,099pp.

turkishairlines.com; singaporeair.com; tropicalnorthqueensland.com