Turkish Airlines and the Hava-İş union have reached an important salary agreement. The 29th Term Collective Bargaining Agreement is now at its final stage. Under this deal, aviation workers will receive a 14% wage increase. This raise applies specifically to the first six months of the agreement. The deal also covers social rights and general working conditions for 2026.
The Hava-İş union represents pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff at Turkish Airlines. Collective bargaining between the two parties has a long and sometimes difficult history. In previous years, negotiations even led to strike threats when talks broke down. This time, however, both sides appear to have reached a resolution more smoothly. The agreement is expected to bring financial relief to thousands of workers.
This salary deal comes at a time of significant growth for Turkish Airlines. The airline plans to expand its fleet to over 560 aircraft in 2026. It also aims to open six new international routes this year. Turkish Airlines already serves more countries than any other airline in the world. The company's expansion strategy signals strong confidence in future demand.
If the airline had not invested in its workforce, this growth would be harder to sustain. Fair wages are considered essential for keeping skilled employees motivated and productive. Industry analysts believe that competitive compensation packages help airlines reduce staff turnover. This agreement demonstrates that strategic labor relations can support broader business goals. Both the airline and its employees seem to benefit from this balanced approach.