Turkish Airlines has signed a new five-year comprehensive ground handling agreement with Vienna Airport, extending their long-standing operational partnership through to 2030.
Under the agreement, Vienna Airport will continue to provide full-scope ground handling services for Turkish Airlines, including passenger and baggage handling, aircraft and ramp services, as well as freight operations. The deal reinforces Vienna Airport’s position as one of Europe’s most efficient hubs and a key partner for the airline’s European network.
Turkish Airlines has served the Austrian capital for nearly 65 years and currently operates five daily flights between Vienna and Istanbul, one of Europe’s most important global aviation gateways. The route supports both strong passenger demand and significant belly cargo capacity, contributing to international air freight connectivity via Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network.
Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, said the agreement reflects confidence in the airport’s operational performance. He noted that Turkish Airlines is the fifth-largest airline at Vienna Airport and highlighted the role of efficient ground handling in maintaining Vienna’s position as one of Europe’s most punctual hubs.
Turkish Airlines Austria General Manager Serkan Özbüyükyörük described the agreement as a strategic enabler of service reliability and operational excellence. He said the extended partnership supports the airline’s commitment to premium quality across all touchpoints, leveraging its Istanbul hub to connect Vienna with more countries than any other carrier.
Michael Zach, Senior Vice President Ground Handling and Cargo Operations at Vienna Airport, added that the collaboration aligns closely with both organisations’ focus on quality and performance, supported by harmonised processes and experienced operational teams.
Passenger and Cargo Connectivity
Turkish Airlines carries more than half a million passengers annually via Vienna, offering seamless connections through its Istanbul hub. Alongside passenger services, the airline provides substantial belly freight capacity on its Vienna flights, supporting global trade flows. As a member of Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines operates one of Europe’s youngest fleets and is recognised for its onboard service and network reach.
Vienna Airport offers a fully integrated ground handling portfolio, including passenger services, ramp handling, load control, crew transport, catering logistics, aircraft cleaning, baggage handling and de-icing. Its cargo capabilities include temperature-controlled handling for pharmaceutical and other sensitive shipments, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key logistics hub in Central Europe.