Turkish Airlines launches direct flights to Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st); Direct flights between Turkiye and Sri Lanka commenced with effect from Monday (30).

The first direct flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Colombo carried 261 passengers, and reached the Bandaranaike International Airport on Monday morning.

The passengers were warmly welcomed upon their arrival with a traditional Kandyan dancing performance and Ceylon tea gift packs by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

For almost a decade, Turkish Airlines operated flights to Katunayake via Male, Maldives.

A direct flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Colombo only takes eight hours, and these direct flights have been scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Each flight will leave Istanbul at 5:40 AM local time, and depart Sri Lanka at 7:40 AM local time.