Turkish Airlines has officially claimed the Guinness World Record for the airline that flies to the most countries, solidifying its position as a global aviation leader.
The prestigious record was certified at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport following the Turkish flag carrier’s inaugural flight to Chile. This new route brings the airline’s extensive network to 131 countries, including 120 active routes in the past year, as verified by Guinness World Records.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition here in Santiago, a testament to our mission of connecting people, cultures and destinations worldwide,” said Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi.
Guinness official Talal Omar praised the airline for its vision and described the milestone as a testament to Turkish Airlines’ global significance in aviation.
Founded in 1933 with a modest fleet, Turkish Airlines now operates 491 aircraft to 352 destinations. As a Star Alliance member, the carrier continues to expand its network, reaffirming its commitment to uniting the world through Türkiye.
“This Guinness World Record solidifies our position as a leader in the aviation industry,” Ekşi added. “It is a proud moment for our airline and our nation, as we continue to connect people and cultures across the globe.”
Turkish Airlines has officially secured a Guinness World Record, recognized as the airline serving the most countries worldwide. The Istanbul-based carrier achieved this milestone as Guinness, the global authority on record-breaking achievements, confirmed its exceptional network.
According to Guinness World Records’ criteria, Turkish Airlines operates flights to an impressive 120 countries. However, when including recently launched routes and temporarily suspended services, the number rises to over 130 destinations globally.
Since 2012, Turkish Airlines has held the distinction of offering the world’s most extensive route network. This recent Guinness recognition marks the first time the airline’s dominance has been formally acknowledged in such a prominent way.
With a significant lead of 30 countries over its nearest rival, Turkish Airlines is unlikely to face competition in this category anytime soon. The airline remains committed to expanding its global reach, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.
This week, Turkish Airlines inaugurated its newest route to Santiago, Chile, where Guinness World Records presented the coveted award to the airline’s CEO, Bilal Ekşi, during a celebratory event.
In a separate record-breaking feat, San Francisco-based Indy Nelson earned the Guinness World Record earlier this year for flying with the most airlines. The tech professional has traveled with 170 different airlines, visiting 197 countries—an impressive figure that surpasses the number of destinations currently served by Turkish Airlines.
