With a global network spanning more than 350 destinations, Turkish Cargo combines international connectivity with dedicated facilities and specialised handling for live-animal shipments at its Istanbul hub.
Turkish Cargo has developed an extensive international air freight network, connecting more than 130 countries and over 350 destinations through the global reach of Turkish Airlines. Its operations cover a broad range of cargo categories, from general freight and perishables to pharmaceuticals, valuable shipments and live animals, each requiring specific handling procedures and operational controls.
At the centre of this network is SmartIST, Turkish Cargo’s cargo hub at Istanbul Airport. Designed to manage complex freight flows, the facility combines modern cargo-handling systems with specialised storage areas and infrastructure for sensitive shipments. Its strategic location also supports connections between Europe, Asia, Africa and other major international markets.
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Turkish Cargo’s specialist portfolio includes TK Pharma for pharmaceutical shipments, TK Fresh for perishables, TK Valuable for high-value cargo and TK Live for live-animal transportation. These services reflect the carrier’s approach to handling cargo that requires more than standard freight processes, with dedicated facilities, trained personnel and procedures tailored to the nature of each shipment.
Dedicated Infrastructure for Live Animals
Live-animal transportation requires careful coordination across the entire journey. Appropriate environmental conditions, suitable transport equipment, trained handlers and access to veterinary support are important to maintaining animal welfare during acceptance, storage, transfers and onward transportation.
Through TK Live, Turkish Cargo provides specialised handling for different animal species, supported by dedicated infrastructure at SmartIST. The facility includes a 1,200-square-metre enclosed live-animal area with controlled temperature, humidity and ventilation, helping maintain suitable conditions for animals while they are in the airline’s care.
The airline also provides veterinary support in Istanbul around the clock. Its live-animal operations follow the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (IATA LAR), alongside applicable international requirements, including CITES provisions where relevant.
Handling procedures are adapted to the type of animal and the requirements of each shipment. This includes attention to environmental conditions, transfer arrangements and the coordination of documentation and operational instructions. Such measures are particularly important when animals are connecting between flights or require temporary accommodation at the hub.
Care and Coordination Throughout Transit
Beyond physical facilities, the management of live-animal shipments depends on communication and coordination among customers, airline teams, ground handlers and veterinary professionals. Clear handling instructions and well-managed transfers help reduce unnecessary delays and support the consistent application of animal-welfare procedures.
Turkish Cargo also offers a dedicated supervision service at Istanbul Airport for eligible pet shipments upon request. The published service includes dedicated transfer vehicles, real-time communication, walking assistance and photo sharing, giving customers greater visibility during the handling process. These arrangements form part of the airline’s broader live-animal service offering, with specific procedures determined by the species and shipment requirements.
The focus on specialised handling complements Turkish Cargo’s wider cargo operations, where different products require different levels of care, security and environmental control. For live animals, the combination of appropriate facilities, veterinary support and trained teams is central to managing the particular demands of air transportation.
As international air cargo networks continue to expand, the ability to handle specialised shipments is an important part of an airline’s service proposition. Turkish Cargo’s TK Live operation demonstrates how global connectivity can be supported by dedicated infrastructure and procedures designed around the needs of sensitive cargo.
Through SmartIST and its wider international network, the carrier continues to connect markets while providing specialised handling solutions for live-animal transportation across its system.
