Turkish Airlines, already flying to more countries than any other airline, announced its 10^th U.S. gateway: Newark Liberty International Airport. Service will launch May 21, with four flights per week between EWR and Istanbul (IST). Beginning June 1, the frequency increases to daily.

Maiden flight TK29 will take off from IST on May 21 at 6:50 p.m., arriving at EWR at 10:40 p.m. Flight TK30 will depart EWR on May 22 at 12:05 a.m., and arrive at IST at 4:50 p.m. Turkish Airlines flies to 320 destinations in 127 countries spanning five continents, with Newark, New Jersey, the airline’s 321^st destination.

“We are pleased to expand our presence in North America with the opening of our 10^th U.S. gateway and look forward to welcoming travelers aboard this new route to experience our world-class service, award-winning cuisine and world-famous Turkish hospitality,” said M. İlker Aycı, chairman of the board and executive committee, Turkish Airlines. “Throughout the past year, we’ve continued to make health and safety a top priority for our passengers and employees, as well as maintaining a strong commitment to keeping the world connected through difficult times, and because of that, we have continued to thrive as a successful airline.”

Additionally, Turkish Airlines announced that, on May 1, the airline’s unique, in-flight Flying Chefs service has returned. The Flying Chefs are responsible for cooking and overseeing food preparation on flights lasting eight hours or more. The airline made temporary changes to its meal service in 2020 in line with coronavirus-related measures, but now its premium onboard dining and hot meal service on all business- and economy-class flights longer than two hours, 15 minutes, and its Flying Chefs service have safely resumed.

“Throughout the past year, we’ve had to make many adjustments to our product and service offerings to protect the health and safety of our passengers and employees,” said İlker Aycı. “Our award-winning dining service and Flying Chefs program is a distinguishing aspect of the airline and we are happy to reintroduce this [to] our worldwide guests to make the flight experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”

Are you excited for Turkish’s new service from the United States? Have you enjoyed the Flying Chefs service in the past? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.