Türkiye's flag carrier Turkish Airlines has finalized a list of international destinations where flights will be temporarily suspended, with the majority of affected routes located in Africa.
The carrier had previously decided to halt services on the Istanbul–Leipzig and Istanbul–Havana routes. While the suspension to Havana has now been extended, the airline is also pausing operations across multiple destinations in Africa, as well as selected points in the Middle East and Asia.
According to the latest planning, the airline will gradually suspend flights to 18 international destinations as of May and June 2026.
Demand pressure and fuel costs drive decision
The decision follows escalating geopolitical tensions triggered by attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The resulting surge in fuel prices—nearly doubling—and rising ticket prices have led to a decline in passenger demand, prompting network adjustments.
List of suspended routes
The destinations where Turkish Airlines will suspend flights are:
• Aqaba
• Billund
• Bissau
• Fergana
• Freetown
• Havana
• Hurghada
• Juba
• Kinshasa
• Kirkuk
• Leipzig/Halle
• Libreville
• Luanda
• Lusaka
• Monrovia
• Najaf
• Pointe-Noire
• Turkistan
Gradual suspension strategy
The suspensions will be implemented progressively across May and June 2026, reflecting a capacity optimization strategy in response to declining demand and cost pressures.
The move highlights how global geopolitical developments and cost volatility continue to reshape airline network planning, particularly on long-haul and lower-yield routes.
