Does Delta Fly to Turkey? Exploring the Airline’s Istanbul and Other Service Options

With its rich history vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes Turkey has emerged as a top global destination in recent years. As more travelers add Turkey to their bucket lists, a common question arises – does Delta fly to Turkey?

The short answer is yes Delta does offer flights to Turkey out of several US and European hubs. However, Delta does not currently serve all major Turkish airports or cities.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll share details on Delta’s routes and flight schedules to Turkey. Read on to learn about Delta’s current and past Turkey service to help you plan your upcoming trip!

Delta Flies Nonstop to Istanbul from New York and Atlanta

Delta’s Turkey flight options center around nonstop service to Istanbul Airport (IST) from two US hubs:

• New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)

As Delta’s main hub Atlanta offers the most nonstop flight frequency. Delta operates daily year-round nonstops between Atlanta and Istanbul.

From New York JFK, Delta runs a daily nonstop to Istanbul as well during peak spring and summer travel seasons. This service drops to 3-4x weekly frequencies during slower fall and winter months.

Both routes operate on Boeing 767-300ER twinjets featuring Delta’s latest cabins and amenities. Flying times average around 10 hours from New York and 12 hours from Atlanta.

So in short, Istanbul is the only destination currently served nonstop by Delta flights to Turkey. But the airline does offer expansive connections via its hubs to link more US cities to Istanbul and beyond.

Plenty of One-Stop Options to More Turkish Cities

In addition to the nonstops, Delta operates numerous one-stop flights to Istanbul and other parts of Turkey from across the US.

Popular connecting hubs for Turkey flights include:

• Amsterdam (AMS)
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• London Heathrow (LHR)

This opens up easy one-stop routings like:

• Los Angeles – Amsterdam – Istanbul
• Seattle – Paris – Istanbul
• Miami – London – Istanbul

If heading to other Turkish destinations like Ankara or Bodrum, Delta travelers can connect in Istanbul or European hubs like Frankfurt.

While not as convenient as nonstop flights, Delta’s network of global partners and hubs makes visiting nearly any part of Turkey possible with just one connection.

Delta Previously Offered More Extensive Turkey Service

Delta’s current US-Turkey flights represent a streamlined version of their more extensive past service.

As recently as 2019, Delta operated the following additional Turkey routes:

• New York JFK – Ankara (dropped in 2021)
• Los Angeles – Istanbul (dropped in 2020)
• Detroit – Istanbul (dropped in 2019)

In prior decades, Delta also served Istanbul from Chicago, Boston, and other cities at various times.

So while the nonstop options are now fewer, Delta still retains a solid presence in the US-Turkey market via connections. And should travel demand warrant, expansions remain possible down the line.

Partner KLM Also Connects US Cities to Turkey

In addition to Delta’s own flights, partner airline KLM offers US travelers more options for reaching Turkey.

As part of the same joint venture, Delta and KLM coordinate schedules and share revenues on certain routes. From its Amsterdam hub, KLM flies to several more Turkish points beyond Delta’s Istanbul service.

KLMs Turkey destinations include:

• Ankara
• Izmir
• Bodrum
• Antalya
• Trabzon

KLM also codeshares with Turkish Airlines, allowing for easy connections between the partner networks.

So Delta flyers can tap into KLM’s more extensive Turkey access to reach cities like Ankara, Antalya, and others. Connections through Amsterdam open additional gateways aside from Delta’s Istanbul nonstops.

Flying Through Europe Unlocks More Turkey Options

When originating in Europe, Delta and partners provide ample options for reaching Turkey. This makes a great add-on to a European trip.

In addition to the US access points, key Delta Europe-Turkey connecting hubs include:

• Paris Charles de Gaulle
• Amsterdam
• London Heathrow
• Frankfurt

Partners Air France and Alitalia also connect major European cities like Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, and Athens to Istanbul and beyond.

For Delta flyers already visiting Europe, same-day connections make adding a Turkey visit convenient and accessible. You can reach all major Turkish airports efficiently through Delta and partners’ extensive web of hubs.

Booking Tips and Resources for Delta’s Turkey Flights

If you’re looking to book one of Delta’s flights to Turkey, keep these tips in mind:

• Aim for Delta’s nonstops if your schedule allows – they offer the easiest options from North America.

• Know the seasonal timings of Delta’s JFK flight – daily in summer, 3-4x weekly other times.

• Be flexible with partner connections if nonstops don’t work. One-stop routings are still convenient.

• Check both delta.com and klm.com for the full range of flight options.

• Consider open-jaw itineraries to or from Europe to maximize your trip.

• Watch for Delta’s sales to Europe – discounts can apply to Turkey routings.

• Use Delta’s Europe flight deals page to stay up to date on offers.

With its flagship nonstops to Istanbul plus ample partner connections, Delta makes visiting Turkey very accessible for US-based travelers. Be sure to consult all your flight options as you map out the Turkey trip of a lifetime!

Turkish Destinations Beyond Istanbul Worth Exploring

Istanbul rightfully grabs much of the attention among visitors to Turkey. But the country offers much more beyond this magical crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Some top Turkish destinations worth adding to a Turkey itinerary include:

Ankara

• Turkey’s modern capital and second largest city.

• Home to the massive Atakule Tower, Anıtkabir mausoleum, and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Izmir

• Vibrant port city blending modern and ancient sights.

• Gateway to the ruins of Ephesus, Selçuk, and Şirince.

Antalya

• Coastal resort city on the Turkish Riviera with stunning scenery.

• Close access to beaches, Greco-Roman ruins, and scenic waterfalls.

Cappadocia

• Otherworldly landscape of rock formations, underground cities, and hot air balloons.

• A top destination for photographers and nature lovers.

With flights via Istanbul or regional connections, Delta’s network allows you to easily add stops in these incredible Turkish destinations.

Don’t Forget the Stunning Sites of Northern Cyprus

While not officially recognized by most nations, the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is easily accessible from Turkey.

The island’s top spots like Kyrenia and Famagusta are less than an hour’s flight from Istanbul or Adana. Visitors can marvel at Crusader castles, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins dotted across the landscape.

Delta doesn’t directly serve Northern Cyprus. But onward flights or ferries from Turkey make this a tempting add-on for Delta flyers already in the region.

Bottom Line – Delta Offers Multiple Paths to Exploring Turkey

So whether you’re looking to experience the eclectic energy of Istanbul, marvel at Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes, or unwind on the beaches of the Turkish Riviera, Delta can get you there.

While the nonstop options are limited, the convenience of Delta’s US hub connections combined with partners’ European access opens the doors to Turkey for travelers virtually anywhere.

Next time Turkey tops your vacation shortlist, be sure to check routes across Delta and partners’ combined networks. Chances are you’ll find the perfect option to match your preferred itinerary and budget. Let the planning begin!