Turkey seeks to establish direct flights between Istanbul and BIA

Turkish Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Demet Sekercioglu, and Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. yesterday (30) discussed the commencing of direct flights between the two countries later this year.

The Chief of Turkish Airlines’ South Asia Office Fathi Bozkurt joined the discussion held at the Ministry.

A senior Ministry spokesman told The Island that currently Turkish Airlines operated flights via the Maldives. The official quoted the Turkish Ambassador as having told the Minister that travellers would like to reduce their travel time by one and a half hours by flying directly from Istanbul to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

The Chief of Turkish Airlines requested for time and space to be allocated in order to launch direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake, thus providing convenience for Turkish tourists and travellers who wish to visit Sri Lanka.

The Minister has assured them that their request would be forwarded to the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited. The Ministry spokesperson said that they were hopeful of establishing direct flights between Istanbul and Katunayake, beginning August of this year.

Turkish Airlines, a renowned carrier with a fleet of over 100 aircraft, offers flights, connecting Europe, Vancouver, New York, and a host of other destinations. The Chief of Turkish Airlines said that the new service would not only benefit European travellers but also encourage many more travellers to visit Sri Lanka.