Yes, a 16-year-old can fly alone on Turkish Airlines as a young passenger. On Turkish Airlines, the "Unaccompanied Minor" (UM) service—which provides mandatory staff supervision—is only required for children aged 7 to 11. For passengers aged 12 to 17, the UM service is optional and can be requested by the parent or guardian if extra assistance is desired. If the 16-year-old travels without this service, they are treated as an adult passenger for most logistical purposes, meaning they can navigate the airport and board on their own. However, it is vital to check the legal requirements of the departure and arrival countries; for instance, some nations require a "Parental Consent Form" for any minor under 18 traveling internationally. In 2026, parents can pay for the optional UM service using Miles&Smiles points or cash, which ensures the teenager is assisted through transit and customs—a popular choice for first-time international solo travelers.