The Turkish flag carrier has reached an agreement to fly 1.5 million Russian tourists into the country over the year. As part of a $300 million government-backed scheme that will also involve the creation of a new charter airline, the airline will allocate 1.5 million seats to Turkish tour operators offering travel packages to Russians

Turkish Airlines signs Russian tourism agreement

Turkish Airlines will allocate the seats to Turkish tour operators operating in Russia (primarily Anex Tour, Pegas Touristik and Coral Travel).

The agreement is part of a larger plan formulated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance to attract Russian tourists to the country.

According to Turkish media outlet SABAH, Turkish Airlines has been talking with leading tour operators for a while now. The seat agreement was signed under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and is already being implemented.

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The carrier will guarantee 1.5 million seats for Russian tourists. Photo: Getty Images

Turkish Airlines is one of a select few foreign airlines still flying to Russia, although it has significantly reduced its schedule over the last month. Additionally, the airline has banned Russian citizens from flying on all routes except between Russia and Turkey.

The conflict in Ukraine, which has led to embargoes on Russian-linked companies, has made it difficult for tour operators in Russia to continue bringing tourists into Turkey.

Russian tourists have been the leading nationality visiting Turkey for several years now. In 2021, almost 4.7 million Russian tourists visited the country despite the global pandemic. Turkish authorities had projected around seven million Russian visitors over 2022 before the Ukraine conflict.

Pegasus to contribute 500,000 seats

Turkey's second-largest carrier, Pegasus Airlines, will also be involved in the scheme by allocating up to 500,000 seats.

Tour operators in Russia will also receive a $300 million loan under the guarantee of the Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF). This credit support will be offered to tour providers who have been affected by the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Establishing a new charter carrier

A brand-new charter carrier dedicated to Russian tourism will also be established as part of Turkey's tourism scheme. The new charter airline will be based in Antalya, the popular resort getaway along Turkey's southern coast.

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Pegasus Airlines is also involved in the seat agreement scheme. Photo: Getty Images

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Treasury and Finance have already begun establishing the new airline, which will operate exclusively between Russia and Turkey.

The airline is projected to offer around one million seats this year. Together with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, Russian tourists will be now guaranteed at least three million seats to Turkey this year.

What are your thoughts on this agreement signed by Turkish Airlines? Let us know in the comments.

Source: SABAH