Turkish Airlines has added to its UK network with its first-ever direct flights from Manchester to Antalya and Dalaman. Starting from April 1st, the carrier will offer a daily service to Antalya, with its daily Dalaman service launching on April 2nd. The two Turquoise Coast destinations will add to Turkish Airlines' Istanbul service out of Manchester.

Daily flights to Antalya and Dalaman

Beginning in April, Turkish Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights from Manchester to the Turkish coastal resorts of Antalya and Dalaman. The airline's Antalya service will launch on April 1st, while flights to Dalaman will begin a day later, on April 2nd.

Osman Battal, Turkish Airlines’ Director in Manchester, said,

"With this new route, we are able to respond to our passengers' demand. They can reach easily and nonstop to unique holiday destinations of Turkey. Whether holidaymakers or golfing enthusiasts, we are keen to provide all our passengers to have unforgettable times with Turkish Airlines."

Turkish 777
The event took place onboard a Boeing 777-300ER. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Antalya and Dalaman are two of the biggest draws along Turkey's 'Turquoise Coast.' Interestingly, as the region is renowned for its world-class golf courses, Turkish Airlines will offer passengers the option to fly one full set of golf clubs completely free of charge on all flights.

Turkish Airlines promises that passengers onboard can enjoy the carrier's award-winning catering selection and an in-flight entertainment system.

Turkish Airlines adds to its UK network

Presently, Turkish Airlines has one route at Manchester Airport - its twice-daily non-stop service to Istanbul. Its two new routes to Antalya and Dalaman are set to be seasonal, with no fixed date on when flights will finish announced thus far.

Karen Smart, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said,

"It’s great to see Turkish Airlines announce new direct routes from Manchester Airport to two of our most popular holiday destinations in Turkey. With a host of airport safety measures in place since the start of the pandemic, the security of all our passengers and staff continues to be our number one priority, as we connect people across the globe."

Turkish Airlines had a relatively strong summer season last year. Photo: Aero Pixels via Wikimedia Commons

The airline operates at a total of five UK airports, the other four being London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham Airport and Edinburgh Airport. The airline's most extensive presence is at Gatwick Airport, with non-stop flights available to Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum.

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On course for a resurgent summer

As Simple Flying reported last week, Turkish Airlines hopes to match its pre-pandemic passenger levels for Summer 2022. However, the carrier doesn't anticipate matching full-year figures until 2023.

Turkish Airlines A330
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

The airline carried 44.8 million passengers over 2021, down from 74.3 million passengers in 2019. Chairman Ilker Ayci also noted that Turkish Airlines will report a more robust financial bottom line for 2021 than 2019.

Do you plan on catching one of Turkish Airlines' Manchester-Turkey flights? Let us know your travel plans in the comments.