TAV Airports and Government Welcome to Turkish Airlines’ first flight from Istanbul at Ohrid Airport

TAV Macedonia, a subsidiary of TAV Airports, welcomed the first flight of Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to St. Paul Ohrid Airport, marking the opening of this new airline that will connect the two cities four times a week.

The first plane of the Turkish national airline from Istanbul in Ohrid landed at 14:40.

TAV Macedonia welcomed the passengers with symbolic gifts, with ajvar and Ohrid macaro, as well as postcards from the sights of Ohrid.
TAV Airport CEO Serkan Captan, TAV Macedonia CEO Nexhat Kurt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski, as well as Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy, welcomed the chief executive of Turkish Airlines.

The inaugural flight was attended by numerous guests, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolovski, TAV Airport CEO Serkan Captan, Turkish Airlines CEO, Turkish Airlines and the Hoelian capacities of the Ohrid-Struga Riviera.

Prime Minister Mickoski addressed the audience, who said that the development of new airlines is not only a technical issue, but a strategic investment in the future of the national economy, tourism and international cooperation.

According to him, the state with its strategic location in the Balkans has the potential to become an important air traffic center. Hence the intention of the government is to actively work on what he said, introducing new airlines, encouraging low -budget carriers, modernizing airports, as the country’s promotion as an aircraft center.

– The introduction of new airlines means faster and easier connection to the world, increasing tourism, new economic opportunities and promoting the image of our country. Our country has huge tourist potential. From the picturesque mountains, the beautiful lakes and the rich cultural heritage, to the heat and hospitality of our citizens – all this makes Macedonia an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors. Therefore, our government is actively working to create policies and measures that will encourage the tourism sector – said Mickoski.

As he said, it is investing in roads, airports and rail links, it is also a promotion of the state as a tourist destination with support for small and medium -sized tourism businesses.

– Our goal is clear – to make Macedonia not only a destination for a visit, but also a place where tourists will return again and again. Today’s step is just the beginning. We believe that with joint efforts we will create a stronger, more accessible and globally connected Macedonia – said Mickoski.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, noted that today the established airline to Istanbul is part of the vision for the development of the state, which he said was already giving the first results.

-As TAV Airports, the airport operator at the airports in Skopje and Ohrid, we are happy to welcome the first flight of Turkish Airlines between Istanbul and Ohrid, marking a new chapter in strengthening the connection between our countries. Ohrid, UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the best tourist destinations in the Balkans, and this new airline will make it even more accessible. As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of TAV Airports and investments in Macedonia, we are proud of cooperation with Turkish Airlines and the government to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage in the world, ”said Serkan Captan, chief executive of TAV Airports.

Turkish Airlines will fly on this route every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, by Airbus A320 plane, with a capacity of 182 seats, providing passengers with comfortable world -class travel and service options.

-We support the promotion and development of Macedonia in cooperation with the Government and the Air Authorities. I would like to once again thank the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport for their contribution to the development of the aviation sector – added Serkan Captan, Chief Executive Officer of TAV Airports.

This new Istanbul – Ohrid – Istanbul Airlines will also strengthen the link between Istanbul, one of the most important aviation centers in the world, and Ohrid, a UNESCO inheritance city, known for its rich history, cultural significance and incredible natural beauty.