Turkey's flag carrier Turkish Airlines is on course to register the highest booked passenger volume in its history during the Eid al‑Adha holiday period, even as the global aviation industry struggles with soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the Iran conflict.
The airline expects to carry more than 305,000 booked passengers on May 31, operating 1,867 combined flights across Turkish Airlines and its low‑cost subsidiary AJet—the busiest operational day ever recorded in the group’s history.
Holiday Travel Boom Defies Global Aviation Turbulence
Announcing the figures on social media, Turkish Airlines Chairman and Executive Committee President Murat Seker said holiday operations have remained smooth despite exceptionally heavy traffic.
“Throughout Eid al‑Adha, the Turkish Airlines family is working with all its strength to transport our guests safely and comfortably to their loved ones,” Seker said.
Between May 22 and May 31, the carrier scheduled 16,544 flights, including 10,034 international and 6,510 domestic services. To meet seasonal demand, the airline added 825 extra flights to its network.
Across the 10‑day holiday period, Turkish Airlines and AJet aim to transport around 2.7 million passengers, Seker added.
Fuel Crisis Rattles Global Airlines
The surge in travel demand comes at a time when airlines worldwide are under pressure from jet fuel prices exceeding $200 per barrel. The Iran conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that handles roughly 25% of global jet fuel shipments, tightening supply and raising fears of shortages.
Airlines—particularly in Europe—have responded by raising fares, trimming schedules and cutting capacity. Lufthansa plans to remove around 20,000 short‑haul flights from its summer timetable, while several carriers warn of further reductions if supply constraints worsen.
The crisis has already exposed weaker operators: U.S. budget airline Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May after fuel costs derailed its restructuring efforts.
Turkey, however, has been partially shielded. As a major jet fuel exporter, the country has avoided the worst supply disruptions, helping Turkish Airlines maintain operational stability.
The carrier transported 28.5 million passengers in the first four months of 2026, an 8.3% increase year‑on‑year. April traffic dipped 2.9% to 7.2 million passengers as the Iran conflict disrupted Middle East routes, with regional traffic plunging 55.7% due to airspace closures, flight suspensions and re-routing.
Istanbul Gains Traffic Diverted From Gulf Hubs
Seker also noted that Turkish Airlines has benefited from disruptions at major Gulf transit hubs. In comments to the Financial Times, he said the carrier attracted passengers who were unable to travel through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, all of which faced repeated shutdowns and severe operational challenges after the conflict erupted in late February.
At the height of the crisis, passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell 66% year‑on‑year in March.
With Istanbul Airport remaining fully operational throughout the turmoil, Turkish Airlines captured a larger share of Europe–Asia transit traffic, strengthening its position on one of the world’s busiest long‑haul corridors.
Seker suggested the shift could accelerate the airline’s long‑term growth trajectory.
“The current situation might help us to gain that passenger growth faster,” he said, adding that stronger demand may prompt the company to revise its growth projections for the next three to five years.
