CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Reply To:
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Direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo to commence in August
Following discussions between the Turkish Ambassador and Sri Lanka’s Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister this morning, it was decided to seek authorization to commence direct flights from Istanbul, Turkey to the Katunayake international airport from August this year.
An official discussion in this regard was held at the Aviation Ministry between Turkish Ambassador, Demet Sekercioglu and Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva.
The head of the Turkish Airlines’ South Asia Office, Fathi Bozkurt was also present during the discussions.
Currently, Turkish Airlines connects with Sri Lanka through a route that includes a stopover in the Maldives, resulting in additional travel time of one and a half hours.
The delay caused by this route is not favoured by travellers, as emphasized by the Ambassador.
The Chief of Turkish Airlines requested that time and space be allocated in order to initiate direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo, thus providing convenience for Turkish tourists and travellers who prefer to visit Sri Lanka.
The Minister said the request would be forwarded to the Civil Aviation Authority Director General and the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.
The aim is to establish direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo starting in August of this year, he said.
Turkish Airlines, a renowned airline with a fleet of over 100 aircraft, offers flights connecting Europe's Vancouver and New York.
The chief of Turkish Airlines said the new service would not only benefit European travellers but also encourage them to travel to Sri Lanka.
The Minister strongly emphasized that the upcoming measures would significantly bolster Sri Lanka's tourism industry while simultaneously fostering stronger economic and cultural ties between the two countries. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)
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