Turkey clarifies forecast on resumption of air traffic with Russia

Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that air links with Russia will resume from mid-July. According to the official, the number of cases of coronavirus infection in Turkey is rapidly declining, so tourism in the country will be possible from the end of May. From mid-June, Turkey plans to establish flights with Asian and European countries, and in July - with Russia.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism of the country noted that diagnostic centers will operate at the major airports in Turkey. Those passengers who did not pass the coronavirus test 72 hours before arrival in the country will be able to do the analysis directly at the airport.

Meanwhile, the representatives of tourism industry consider this scenario too optimistic. The head of Anex Tourism Group, Neshet Kochkar, expressed the opinion that in the best case Russians can fly abroad from August 1, in the worst case - in September.

“The restoration of air traffic does not mean allowing tour operators to resume the sale of tours,” said Taras Kobishchanov, CEO of Russian Express.

Experts suggested that, first of all, trips with medical, business and educational purposes could be allowed. Most likely, it will be the flights of national carriers. And the next step will be the restoration of charter flights, but it is not clear when it comes.