iGA Istanbul Airport Expands China-Türkiye Ties with New Routes and Partnerships
Istanbul, Türkiye – June 8, 2024 – iGA Istanbul Airport is forging stronger connections between Türkiye and China by expanding flight routes and deepening bilateral ties. In a significant announcement at the Sichuan Airlines – Routes & Product Conference last week, iGA revealed its ambitious plan to boost the number of Chinese tourists visiting Türkiye. The aim is to increase arrivals from 250,000 in 2023 to 1 million within the next 2-3 years.
As part of this initiative, iGA Istanbul Airport, known as a China Friendly Airport, is committed to enhancing the travel experience for Chinese visitors. The airport plans to increase weekly flights from four to seven, a move set to significantly improve connectivity between the two countries. The agreements signed with Sichuan Airlines and the Sichuan Airports Authority mark a pivotal step in this direction.
The cooperation agreement encompasses several strategic initiatives, including:
- Regular meetings to discuss and share industry knowledge.
- Joint aviation development to enhance flight operations.
- Destination promotion to highlight Türkiye as a prime travel destination for Chinese tourists.
- Employee exchange programs to foster cultural and professional exchange.
Since 2020, iGA Istanbul Airport has established partnerships with major Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, and Sichuan Airlines. These collaborations have played a crucial role in making Türkiye more accessible and appealing to Chinese travelers.
Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership: “We are excited to welcome our 8th sister airport and look forward to further strengthening the ties between Türkiye and China. Our commitment to enhancing the guest experience for Chinese visitors underscores our dedication to becoming a gateway that connects cultures and fosters global relationships.”
iGA Istanbul Airport continues to be a key player in enhancing Türkiye’s connectivity and fostering international tourism, contributing to the country’s growing reputation as a global travel hub.
About iGA Istanbul Airport: iGA Istanbul Airport is Türkiye’s premier aviation hub, renowned for its world-class facilities and extensive flight network. Committed to excellence in passenger service, the airport continues to set benchmarks in the aviation industry by expanding its global reach and enhancing travel experiences.
This article is based on Selahattin Bilgen’s announcement regarding iGA Istanbul Airport’s recent developments and partnerships.
