Turkish Airlines launches London-Antalya direct flights

ANKARA

Turkish Airlines has launched direct flights from London’s Gatwick Airport to the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, the national flag carrier announced.

Starting from March 31, the new route will operate daily until Oct. 26, Turkish Airlines said in a statement.

“With a combination of stunning scenery, excellent weather and world class golf courses to offer, it’s easy to understand why Antalya is such a popular destination for thousands of British holiday makers each year,” said Celal Baykal, the carrier’s general manager in London.

Turkish Airlines services five U.K. airports - including London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines flies to more than 300 destinations in over 120 countries - 49 domestic and 257 international.

Last year, it carried more than 75 million passengers with a seat occupancy rate of 82 percent.

Turkish Airlines reported in March that its net profit soared to 4 billion Turkish Liras ($745 million) in 2018 from 639 million liras in 2018.

Turkish Airlines will move its operations from Atatürk Airport to the newly built Istanbul Airport this week.

Revenues of the national flag carrier also increased by a strong 58 percent last year to reach 62.9 billion liras while its gross profit rose to 13.5 billion liras in 2018 from 7.8 billion liras in 2017.

The big switch is expected to be completed on April 7.