Turkish Airlines has started operating its thrice weekly reciprocal flights from Istanbul to Cebu, providing the province with more connections to Europe, a ranking Cebu airport official said.
GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) President Louie B. Ferrer said the new Istanbul-Manila-Cebu flights of Turkish Airlines allow the province to “accelerate” its recovery plans from both Covid-19 and Typhoon Odette.
“It has been a long time since we welcomed a new long haul flight to Cebu because of the pandemic, and now we are starting the year with Turkish Airlines, which is MCIA’s [Mactan-Cebu International Airport] first direct connection to Europe and strengthens our Middle Eastern connection even more,” Ferrer said in a statement.
“With this flight, we can help open more opportunities for the region, and enable it to accelerate recovery plans from Typhoon Odette and Covid-19.”
With the new service, Cebu is now connected to more than 320 destinations in over 120 countries around the world via Turkish Airlines.
“This has been long in the making and we wish to extend our thanks to Turkish Airlines for believing in the Cebu connection, MCIAA, and our Commercial team at the airport for making this happen,” Ferrer said.
Turkish Airlines utilizes an Airbus A350-900 for the thrice weekly service.
“Despite the recent turn of events in Cebu, the launch of Turkish Airlines brings us hope as we look forward to the future and fast track our recovery efforts. We know that the addition of the Istanbul route will open opportunities not just for Cebu, but for the entire country as well,” MCIA Authority General Manager and CEO Julius G. Neri Jr. said.