TORONTO — Turkish Airlines hosted its Turkish Airlines Agency Awards last night, bringing together the Canadian travel trade to celebrate a year of standout achievements, record-setting airlift and 15 years of nonstop service between Toronto and Istanbul.

Taking place on June 2, 2025, at the Design Exchange in downtown Toronto, the gala evening included a cocktail reception, live music and a three-course dinner, culminating with an awards presentation that recognized the airline’s top-producing agencies.

Executives from Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul head office joined local team members to express appreciation to Canadian partners for a year that saw passenger traffic between Canada and Turkey grow by 15%, with Turkish Airlines carrying 41% of those travellers.

“Tonight, we celebrate excellence,” said Fatih Durmaz, Turkish Airlines’ Vice President for the Americas, in his keynote address. “2024 has been a record-setting year for us. For the first time ever, we operated daily summer flights from Toronto to Istanbul – and our added frequencies achieved a 92% load factor. These are not just numbers; they are indicators of growing demand, of strong trust, and of our shared success.”

Fatih Durmaz

Durmaz also confirmed the airline has submitted a formal request to increase frequencies to Toronto, emphasizing the strategic importance of Canada within Turkish Airlines’ global network. Currently, Turkish Airlines operates 12 weekly flights from Canada – servicing Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver – and offers its popular stopover program in Istanbul: two overnights in a hotel for economy passengers, and three overnights for business class.

The event also marked the 15th anniversary of Turkish Airlines’ inaugural Toronto-Istanbul service. “For 15 years, Turkish Airlines has proudly served as a bridge between Canada and Europe – not just with flights, but through relationships, cultural exchange, commerce and community,” Durmaz said.

The evening’s second keynote came from Can Yoldaş, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Toronto, who framed air connectivity as a vehicle for deeper cooperation.

“Agencies are the backbone of the operation on the ground,” said Yoldaş. “More interaction and stronger collaboration between our peoples – that is the modern concept of connectivity. Turkish Airlines is a leading force in that vision, and Canadian travel advisors are critical partners in its success.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Airlines Agency Awards, recognizing top-performing travel partners from across Canada. From exceptional sales growth to long-standing commitment to promoting Turkey as a destination and selling Turkish Airlines, the winners represent the strength and dedication of the Canadian travel trade.

Here are last night’s winners:

• Top Performer – Touristanbul: Cedar Travel
• Top Performer – Stopover: Gala Travels
• Highest Increase in Sales: Voyzant Travel
• Top Performer – Leisure: Uniglobe
• Top Performer – Corporate: Flight Centre
• Top Performer – Group: International Travel
• Top Performer – Istanbul: Voyages à la Carte
• Top Performer – Economy Class: Royal Scenic Holidays
• Top Performer – Business Class: Voyzant Travel
• Top Performer of the Year: Voyages à la Carte

Appreciation Awards also went to Skybird Travel, Riya Travel, Maureen K Travel, Westend Travel, Atlas Travel, and Travel Brands – Air Booking Centre.

Each winner was honoured onstage, receiving a commemorative plaque and a personal thank you from senior Turkish Airlines executives.

With 353 destinations in 131 countries – more than any other airline in the world – Turkish Airlines continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global connectivity. Its presence in the Canadian market is poised for continued expansion, buoyed by strong trade support and growing traveller interest in Turkey as both a destination and a gateway to the world beyond.

“You are not just partners,” said Durmaz to the travel trade in closing. “You are our ambassadors. Thank you for your dedication — and for flying with Turkish Airlines.”

For more information, go to turkishairlines.com.