Great news for travelers between Sri Lanka and Europe! Turkish Airlines has announced a substantial expansion of its flight services, adding a sixth weekly flight between Istanbul and Colombo. This exciting development, taking effect on May 14, 2024, will provide passengers with greater flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.
This strategic move reflects Turkish Airlines’ dedication to catering to the growing demand for air travel between these two vibrant destinations. The increased frequency strengthens connections for those traveling to Istanbul and beyond, opening doors to a wider network of possibilities.
Fatih Bozkurt, Country Director Sri Lanka/Maldives for Turkish Airlines, emphasized the company’s commitment to Sri Lanka as a key market within the South Asian subcontinent. He stated, “This significant increase in frequency underscores our dedication to Sri Lanka and our valued passengers. By offering greater connectivity and more travel options, we aim to further enhance the travel experience.”
This expansion comes after a successful decade of Turkish Airlines operating flights with a stopover in Male. In October 2023, the airline marked a significant milestone by launching direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo, initially offering four flights per week.
The news was met with enthusiasm by Eng. Athula Galketiya, Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Limited (AASL). He expressed his gratitude to Turkish Airlines for increasing their flight frequency, highlighting its potential to significantly boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Improved connectivity with European destinations via Turkish Airlines is considered a critical factor in attracting tourists to the island nation.
With this strategic expansion, Turkish Airlines strengthens its presence in Sri Lanka, fostering a stronger connection between the two countries and paving the way for a flourishing tourism industry.