Flight connectivity between long-time partners and allies Canada and Türkiye, both members
of the G-20 and NATO, is far below what it should be.

Turkish Airlines, one of the leading carriers in the world, has been working for some time to
increase the number of direct flights with Canada. Such an outcome will expand Canada’s global
connectivity and set the stage for more competitive ticket pricing, increased business travel,
and enhanced bilateral trade and investment.

The inaugural Turkish Airlines flight to Canada departed Istanbul for Toronto on July 11, 2009
with a full contingent of business representatives. Today, the airline operates 12 weekly flights
to Canada: six to Toronto, three to Montréal, and three to Vancouver.

There are no other options for direct flights between the two countries and existing seat
capacity is insufficient to meet rising passenger demand, which has been growing steadily in
recent years. The shortfall has resulted in higher ticket prices for flights between Canada and
Türkiye compared to similar routes originating in the United States.

Expanding the number of weekly flights would foster a more competitive environment. The Air
Transport Agreement between Canada and Türkiye provides for 12 weekly flights each for
Turkish and Canadian carriers, for a total of 24. While Türkiye is fully utilizing its entitlement, no
Canadian airlines have taken advantage of the 12 flights open to them. Repeated requests by
Turkish Airlines to temporarily use those Canadian routes have been denied.

In 2019, Canada and Türkiye established a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to
foster stronger bilateral commercial ties. The JETCO is designed to support Small and Medium-
Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in targeted complementary sectors and it has yielded impressive
results.

However, limited direct flight options and rising ticket prices are now deterring SME travel
between the two nations, negatively impacting the ability of businesses to network,
collaborate, and explore new commercial opportunities.

Especially during these uncertain times when like-minded countries are seeking to build
resilient and secure supply chains, increasing air connectivity now between G-20 members and
NATO allies Canada and Türkiye must be a top strategic priority of the Canadian government.