DOHA: Qatar Airways announced plans to commence four weekly passenger services to Istanbul’s Sabiha Goِkcen Airport from May 22 next year.
Sabiha Goِkcen Airport will become Qatar Airways’ third destination in Turkey after Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which started in 2004 and Ankara since 2010.
The airline now operates 10 flights every week to Istanbul Ataturk Airport and four flights every week to Ankara.
With the addition of the Sabiha airport, the number of flights to Turkey will rise from 14 to 18 every week.
Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways, said: “Turkey’s aviation industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years and we are delighted to be part of this growth by launching additional capacity into this vibrant market.
“With increased government investment in the private sector and major infrastructure developments underway, we see huge market potential in adding more capacity to Turkey.”
The airport will serve travellers from the eastern (Asian) side of Istanbul in addition to Ataturk Airport which currently services the population in the western (European) side of the city separated by the Bosporus.
The new route will be served by an Airbus A320 in a two-cabin configuration, offering 12 business class and 132 economy class seats.
Situated closest to some of the highly developed industrial cities of Turkey — Kocaeli, Bursa, Izmir and Sakarya, Sabiha Gِokcen Airport is one among the two international airports in Istanbul.
The finance centre of Turkey is just 15 minutes away, and Technopark Istanbul is just 1km away from the airport.
Some of the largest multinational companies and banks are also headquartered within the close vicinity of the airport.
The fourth most populous city of Turkey, Bursa is located near the airport and is famous for its “Uludag Mountain” and winter ski resorts. Yalova, which is also located nearby is known for its hot springs and thermal baths.
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