Turkish Airlines aims for bigger pie of Indian skies

Turkish Airlines is working closely with the Indian government to increase the number of flights between Türkiye and India, a senior official told ET. Turkish Airlines currently operates 14 weekly flights, aiming to offer travellers more options by increasing this number to 28. Ahmet Olmuştur, CCO of Turkish Airlines, said increasing connectivity with India aligns with the airline’s goal of providing comprehensive travel options for potential visitors. Türkiye’s popularity as a holiday destination has grown among Indian travellers, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. In the first half of 2024, the country received 165,000 Indian visitors, including travellers from tier 2 and 3 cities, a 33.2% increase from a year ago. Among the tourist hotspots in Istanbul are Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Some visitors seek to explore Cappadocia's unique rock formations, Pamukkale's travertine terraces and thermal springs, the resort town of Bodrum, and Antalya’s beaches and ancient ruins. "We are strategically planning to expand our routes to major Indian cities, tapping into the rising demand for international travel there,” said Olmuştur. “India has emerged as a pivotal market for Turkish tourism, and we anticipate this trend to continue growing annually.”<br/>