Hong Kong Airlines has announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines effective from 26 October 2025. The enhanced collaboration will further strengthen the airline’s international route network and offer passengers greater flexibility and convenience in their travel choices. Building upon their existing cooperation, the two airlines have extended their codeshare arrangement to include Hong Kong Airlines’ services to Australia. Passengers will now enjoy enhanced connectivity via Hong Kong, with seamless access to Sydney and Melbourne — two of Australia’s major cities — for a smoother one-stop travel experience.
Under the new agreement, Hong Kong Airlines places its “HX” code on Turkish Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Istanbul. In parallel, Turkish Airlines adds its “TK” code to Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights connecting Hong Kong with Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Sydney, and the upcoming Melbourne service scheduled to commence in December 2025.
Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “Istanbul is one of the world’s most historic and dynamic metropolises, as well as a key gateway to Europe. Since we established our codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines in 2018, our collaboration has become tighter, enabling Hong Kong Airlines passengers to connect conveniently through Istanbul to destinations across Europe, while Turkish Airlines travellers can easily transfer via Hong Kong to major cities across Asia, including Japan and Thailand. The codeshare partnership not only deepens our business relationship but also enhances the overall travel experience for our customers.”
Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi stated: “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Hong Kong Airlines, building on Hong Kong’s role as a key gateway in Asia and offering travellers even greater convenience and choice across our networks. This collaboration further connects Türkiye with Asia and beyond, reflecting our shared commitment to seamless global travel.”
Etihad Airways resumes flights to Medina
Etihad Airways has commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, further expanding the airline’s strong footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing travel options for guests across religious, business and leisure segments. The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the most spiritually significant cities in the world and a key destination for visitors performing religious travel throughout the year. The route will support growing demand from pilgrims and travellers across the world seeking seamless connections to the Kingdom’s holy city.
Medina becomes the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in the Kingdom, reinforcing the UAE’s national carrier as a major facilitator of travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Medina, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, announcing 31 new destinations in a year.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing guests with greater access, choice and convenience through our home in Abu Dhabi.”
Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six weekly flights later this year. The service provides a smooth and comfortable journey for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, offering Etihad’s welcoming hospitality across both Business and Economy cabins.
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