airBaltic & Turkish Airlines Launch Powerful Codeshare Expansion 2025

airBaltic & Turkish Airlines Launch Powerful Codeshare Expansion 2025

Travel hack alert: airBaltic and Turkish Airlines just upgraded their codeshare partnership in a big way. What began as a sweet Riga–Istanbul connection back in 2023 has now blossomed into a functionally global affair. In airline terms, that’s like going from a date night at the movies to running off the next day to Vegas—with perks.

Think of it like two travel-savvy roommates who realized they’d rather share the ride than fight over who left the kettle on. Instead of bickering over unpaid bills, these carriers are mapping routes together, adding each other’s flight codes to a whole host of new destinations. Your travel dream list just got a lot bigger — and far more accessible.

Need help with groups and incentives in Asia? Check out these fantastic DMCs in the location of you choosing.

What’s actually on offer?

airBaltic is now letting you fly with their code on Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to the following intriguing gems:

• Tbilisi & Batumi (Georgia): Sip Georgian wine, fill up on khachapuri, and uncover old-world charm.
• Ashgabat (Turkmenistan): Future-modern architecture meets desert psychedelia.
• Baku (Azerbaijan): Check out the Flame Towers, dive into Caspian sunsets, and maybe catch the Grand Prix.
• Dushanbe (Tajikistan) & Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan): Go off-grid in Central Asian landscapes so epic they redefine “dramatic.”

And it’s not just a one-sided deal—Turkish Airlines is returning the favor by tagging their code onto airBaltic flights from Riga to:

• Turku & Tampere (Finland): Lakes, saunas, calm vibes—and yes, you’ll still need that silence for your skis.
• Palanga (Lithuania): A Baltic beach town complete with amber shops and summer feels on demand.

The only thing standing between you and these seamless adventures? Final approval from aviation regulators. But once they give the go-ahead, it’s full throttle ahead.

Why this actually matters

When major airlines do this, it’s not just travel gossip—it means far fewer layovers and far more destinations without the hassle.

Whether you’re in the Baltics and eager to explore Central Asia, or you’re in Istanbul and want that Finnish tranquility, this partnership is your passport to smoother, faster, and more exciting journeys. Zero airport dashes, less waiting, and far more memorable experiences.

How this helps travelers

• Baltic adventurers now get direct-ish access to Caucasus and Central Asia without airport roulette.
• Turkish travelers can book hassle-free Finn-inspired getaways with one tidy transit in Riga.
• Everyone wins with better scheduling, improved lounge access, and smoother booking across both airline platforms.

Plus, these enhanced itineraries play nicely with frequent flyer rewards—you rack up miles on both airBaltic and Turkish flights, often in a single trip.

What the airlines say

Paul Cālītis, COO of airBaltic, says the updated agreement is about “strengthening connections and giving passengers more convenience.” While Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, adds this is a key step toward “enhancing global network connectivity.”

In plain English? They heard your complaints about layovers and inbound flight delays—and they’re fixing it.

What you can do now

Keep an eye out for codeshare flights: Turkish flights out of Istanbul that also have airBaltic flight numbers, and vice versa.

Book foreign adventures through your airline of choice and enjoy coordinated itineraries, through-check baggage, and loyalty points.

Travel approvals pending: Keep an eye on the airlines’ websites; once regulators sign off, tickets will go live.

Bottom line

This isn’t about flashy marketing—it’s about real improvement in your travel experience. Baltic residents can now reach Tbilisi and Baku without extra headaches. Turkish flyers can comfortably plan a Finland holiday with the same ease.

In short, your travel grid just got woven tighter—with more direct routes, less waiting, and a lot more passport stamps. Once regulators do their thing, booking will be as easy as a “one-stop,” even if the destination spans two continents.

Ready to explore? Check your frequent flyer accounts, grab that passport, and start planning. Because with airBaltic and Turkish teaming up, your next trip just got a whole lot cooler—and a lot more efficient.