Direct flights between Colombo and Turkey commence after 10 years

Turkish Airlines today commenced direct flights between Sri Lanka and Istanbul after ten years, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL) said.

Accordingly, four weekly flights will operate between the two countries.

The inaugural direct flight (TK 730) landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 5.41 a.m. with 261 passengers.

To celebrate this special occasion, the first direct flight was welcomed with a water salute organized by AASL, and the arriving passengers were treated to Sri Lanka Tea Board-sponsored Ceylon tea gift packs, synonymous with the world’s finest tea.

AASL organized a soft launch event at the BIA in the presence of key officials representing the industry and addressing the gathering. AASL Chairman Major Gen. (Rtd.) G.A. Chandrasiri said this commencement of direct flight operations will boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enormously in the future, as this connectivity is key for Sri Lanka to connect European destinations with Turkish Airlines.