This Airline Now Flies to the Most Countries in History

There’s a new record in air travel and it doesn’t have to do with flight length: it’s Turkish Airlines and the sheer number of countries they fly to.

The Istanbul-based carrier now officially holds the Guinness World Records title of “most countries flown to by an airline,” Turkish Airlines shared with Travel + Leisure. In the past 12 months, the carrier operated routes to 120 different countries.

“As the only airline to hold this distinction for over a decade, we proudly showcase the strength of our flight network and reinforce our mission to connect people, cultures, and destinations around the globe,” Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said in a statement shared with T+L, speaking from Santiago, Chile, the newest destination to the airline’s network.  

But the airline’s reach doesn’t end there. Counting the carrier’s temporarily suspended routes, the airline said it flies to more than 130 countries around the globe. In the United States, Turkish Airlines flies to 10 different cities: Atlanta, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and Detroit. 

Talal Omar, the VP – MENA & Türkiye at Guinness World Records, called the record a “distinguished milestone” for the airline and said in a statement the carrier’s “steadfast commitment to connecting the world exemplifies vision and excellence in aviation.”

Turkish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance along with carriers like United Airlines, Air Canada, and Lufthansa, and operates a fleet of 474 total passenger and cargo aircraft.

The airline is currently upgrading its business class cabin with an adjustable sliding door for privacy, a 23-inch seat width, and a 22-inch Television screen, and plans to roll out free, fast Wi-Fi to all passengers starting in 2025.

Turkish Airlines is one of T+L readers’ favorite international carriers with Istanbul Airport (IST) coming in as our readers’ favorite international airport.