Jan 22, 2025 - Travel

Turkish Airlines hints at plans for Istanbul to MSP route

Kyle Stokes

A sunset scene over the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey, with minarets of mosques visible in the background and dominating the skyline while traffic moves on coastal roads in the foreground — Istanbul at sunset, with the minarets of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Galata Tower visible on the skyline. Photographer: Moe Zoyari/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"Turkish delight on a moonlit night" in Istanbul may soon be just one flight away from Minnesota.

Driving the news: Turkish Airlines' chairman said this week that a new route between MSP and Istanbul could begin as early as April or May.

The airline hasn't made an official announcement yet and didn't return Thrifty Traveler's request for comment.

The intrigue: The airline may also be tapping into Minnesota's large East African community.

From Istanbul, travelers can catch connecting flights to Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and elsewhere.

If you go: Our Axios D.C. colleague Cuneyt Dil also recommends escaping the winter chill in this resort town on the Turkish coast. Looks heavenly.

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Turkish Airlines hints at plans for Istanbul to MSP route

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