Turkish Airlines aircraft. Photo: BOEING Turkish Airlines marks its highest quarterly passenger count in history. The airline achieved a record 27.2 million passengers in the third quarter of 2025, alongside an 8.2% increase in capacity compared to the same quarter in the previous year.
Despite the rise in revenues, the quarter ended with an operating profit of $1.1 billion, a 21.3% decrease compared to the same period last year, against the backdrop of reduced income per passenger and operational pressures.
Total revenue for the quarter increased by 4.9%, reaching approximately $7 billion, with a 6.1% rise in passenger revenue.
Turkish Airlines notes that the strong figures and revenue growth support a positive outlook for the entire year, with an expected EBITDAR range of 22%-24%, in line with company objectives. This forecast is bolstered by forward order books and October data, which showed a 19% increase in passenger numbers and a 16% rise in cargo movement.
Additionally, the cumulative operating profit for the first nine months of the year reached $1.7 billion. The consolidated asset value of the company hit $43.2 billion, with the number of employees across all group companies exceeding 101,000.
Simultaneously, in line with the 2033 strategy goals, Turkish invested $3.6 billion during the first three quarters of the year and continued expanding global partnerships, including an agreement signed last weekend for a 26% stake purchase in the Spanish airline Air Europa. This move aims to strengthen air links between Turkey and Spain, expand the inbound tourism market, and deepen operations in South and Central American markets.
Photo: ShutterstockThe company also increased its aircraft fleet by 8.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 506 aircraft. This growth was achieved through significant agreements for further aircraft purchases from Boeing, including 50 Dreamliner 787s with an option for 25 more, and 100 B737 MAX planes with an option for 50 additional units.
"The profit achieved in the third quarter of 2025 highlights once again Turkish Airlines' ability to adapt to diverse operational conditions due to its diversified revenue structure," said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Turkish Airlines, adding: "As Turkey's leading brand on the international stage and a key player in global aviation, we will continue to grow and invest in line with our 2033 strategy. Our focus extends beyond profitability - we are committed to achieving sustainable success in the long term."
Turkish Airlines Boeing Dreamliner 787-9. Photo: Kaan Guler / Shutterstock