ANKARA

Starting mid-March, Turkish Airlines will launch flights from Istanbul to Melbourne, its first destination in Australia, the national flag carrier announced on Friday.

Three reciprocal flights will run every week between Istanbul and Melbourne with a stop in Singapore, according to a Turkish Airlines statement.

"We are excited to add Melbourne as our 346th destination to our flight network. Australia, with its natural beauty and hospitable people, becomes the 130th country and 6th continent under our wings," said Ahmet Bolat, chairman of Turkish Airlines.

The new flights will increase Melbourne's access to the European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets via Istanbul, contributing to tourism, international education, business, and trade potential, the statement said.

Established in 1933, Turkish Airlines flies to 345 destinations in 129 countries with a fleet of 440 aircraft.