Turkish Airlines plans expansion in India

Turkish Airlines is mulling over starting flights from destinations in South India, Levent Bilman, Turkish Ambassador to India, told ENS, adding that this would connect Indian travelers to 93 places across Europe.

Turkish Airlines is exploring new destinations in India. Talks are on with civil aviation authority for connecting Istanbul with Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata, he said.

Currently operating seven flights from Mumbai and Delhi, the airline plans to increase its services with more than 14 flights a week.

According to travel industry experts, Turkish Airlines will lure Indian travelers mainly for its connectivity to Europe, including destinations such as Germany, France, the UK and Russia. The airline’s connectivity to Middle East and Africa would be another attraction, they pointed out.

Tourism industry officials note that more than half the tourists visiting Europe and Russia transit through Istanbul. Therefore, Turkish Airlines’ increased service between India and Turkey would be a tourist-friendly move.

Turkish Airlines is expanding services globally. Recently the airline resumed services between Istanbul and Moscow with four flights a week, and launched nonstop flights from Istanbul to Washington DC.