Republic of Turkey eager to start flights from Kol,Chennai,Hyderabad

Kolkata, Apr 27 (UNI) The Republic of Turkey has expressed eagernerss to introduce flights from several new Indian destinations like Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Speaking at a seminar, "Indo-Turkish Business Alliances" organised by Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador of Republic of Turkey Halil Akinci today said,''We are currently negotiating with the Indian government so that the cap on 1500 passenger per airlines be lifted soon.'' The Indian government has said that any Turkish airlines could carry 1500 passengers in one week (to and fro). ''There had been a lot of interest from the business community and the tourism sector in Turkey and 1500 seat-cap is meagre,'' he said.

''The India government has agreed in-principle on this matter.

However, we need to sign an agreement on this issue before starting the flights,'' Mr Akinci said.

Following an agreement in 2004, Indian(formerly Air India) did not start any flights to Turkey. Currently, Turkish Airlines, the national airline, operates from Istanbul to Delhi and Mumbai.

UNI