Turkish Airlines records 36% growth in passenger traffic from Abu Dhabi

Turkish Airlines has recorded an impressive 36% increase in passenger traffic from Abu Dhabi in 2012.
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This year, to meet the increased demand, two new weekly flights have been added from the UAE capital city to Istanbul, bringing the total to six flights per week.

Also, the number of employees in the airline’s Abu Dhabi sales office has been tripled.

To mark the strong performance, Turkish Airlines hosted a gala dinner event to honour the highest performing travel agents in Abu Dhabi. The celebratory evening, held at Shangri La Hotel, recognised travel agents for their continual support and contribution to driving passenger traffic, underlining the momentum that the world’s fastest growing airline reports across the Middle East, particularly in the UAE.

The event, held in the presence of Turkish Ambassador Şefik Vural Altay, was attended by industry representatives from Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Abu Dhabi Airports Services (ADAS) and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

Turkish Airlines also outlined the growth of incoming passenger traffic to Abu Dhabi from across the globe, which more than doubled in 2012, with a 54% increase underpinning the Emirates’ rising position as a tourism and business hub in the Middle East. 

Plaques of appreciation were presented to representatives from Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Abu Dhabi Airports Services and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Each was acknowledged for the integral role played in the success of the airline’s growth in the region.

Samil Karakas, general manager for Turkish Airlines in Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to honour the travel industry for their continual support and contribution to the airline’s expansion in Abu Dhabi. Since we commenced operations from the city in 2006, we have recorded consistent growth, highlighting the growing interest in Turkey as a business and tourism destination for Abu Dhabi residents.

“With passenger traffic from Abu Dhabi increasing by 36% in 2012, and growing demand for seats at competitive prices to Turkey and beyond destinations, we are confident that with the two additional weekly flights we will sustain this upward growth trend.”

Mohammed Al Bulooki (pictured with Karakas), chief commercial officer of ADAC, said:  “ADAC is honoured to be joining one of its airline partners, Turkish Airlines, in celebration of their success and growth from their regional hub, Abu Dhabi International Airport. Since the start of operation in 2006, this ambitious airline has provided first class quality services to passengers that reflect the level of customer care Abu Dhabi International Airport is committed to. ADAC looks forward to further supporting the growth of Turkish Airlines and to be part of their legendary success for many years to come.”

Today, Turkish Airlines has the largest country network for an airline in the world, with 223 destinations across 98 countries. Turkish Airlines operates flights to 32 destinations in the Middle East Region.