Direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo to commence in August

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Following discussions between the Turkish Ambassador Demet Sekercioglu and Sri Lanka’s Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday, it was decided 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, and the Minister.   

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 an 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 countries in Europe and American Continent.   
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.