Turkish Airlines launches flights to Havana, Caracas

ISTANBUL

Turkey’s flagship carrier, Turkish Airlines, launched flights to the Cuban capital Havana and the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Dec. 20, the company said in a statement.

Both destinations marked the carrier’s 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas after Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Panama, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta. The Istanbul-Havana-Caracas flights will be operated three times a week, the company said.

An official opening ceremony was held in the Cuban and the Venezuelan capitals after landings at Jose Marti International Airport and Simon Bolivar International Airport, respectively.

Turkish Airlines Board Member Mehmet Büyükekşi said the company was excited to bring the carrier’s diverse service to more passengers with the newly opened destinations, as it would also bring significant advantages to the Greater Antilles due to a reduction in distance.

The two new routes will enable passengers to make round trips to Havana and Caracas at fares starting at $699.

Turkish Airlines is also offering 25 percent discounts to Miles&Smiles members for a period of six months on the new routes.

Four college students from Turkey went to Havana on Dec. 20 on the first flight as part of a corporate responsibility project named “Bridging Youth.” 

The four will relate their Cuban experience via the carrier’s social media accounts.