AirBooking Joins Turkish Airlines’ NDC Platform

Turkish Airlines officially added AirBooking, an IATA-certified NDC distribution platform, to its TKCONNECT NDC channel. The move enables travel agencies and corporate clients using AirBooking to access Turkish Airlines’ exclusive NDC content, bypassing the $24 GDS EDIFACT surcharge introduced in October 2024.

TKCONNECT is Turkish Airlines’ NDC-compliant distribution channel, offering richer content than traditional GDS, including real-time dynamic pricing, bundled ancillaries, and seat selection. Through the new partnership, AirBooking users can search, book, and manage both NDC and GDS inventory in a single interface, with integrated ancillary services such as baggage, seat upgrades, and special meals.

The integration provides additional benefits for corporate customers, such as customized pricing, enhanced policy compliance, consolidated reporting, and priority customer support. By working with AirBooking, Turkish Airlines strengthens its NDC aggregator and partner network, which already includes such players as Travelfusion, Verteil, DRCT, and Mystifly.

The partnership makes another step in Turkish Airlines’ strategy to expand NDC adoption and reduce reliance on legacy GDS channels. This approach supports cost efficiency for the airline and its partners, while offering travelers a more personalized retail experience.

Read our article about NDC challenges to learn what hinders travel resellers in transitioning to modern airline retailing.

Earlier, Turkish Airlines announced its intention to submit a binding offer for a stake in Spanish airline Air Europa, following earlier non-binding talks.

Cover photo by David Syphers on Unsplash