The Government of Andalusia has announced the immediate launch of a daily direct air route between Istanbul and Seville, operated by Turkish Airlines, effective today. The Counselor of Tourism and International Relations, Arturo Bernal, met with Muzaffer Rifaioglu, General Manager for Turkey Airlines for Málaga and Seville, to formalize this strategic milestone in the community’s connectivity to high-interest international markets for tourism and business.

With this direct link, Andalusia strengthens its positioning among issuers from the Middle East, Asia, America, and Africa, taking advantage of the extensive network of destinations that Turkish Airlines operates from its hub in Istanbul.

Bernal highlighted that the new route opens extraordinary opportunities for both Seville and the broader Andalusia region, enabling access to visitors from long-haul markets with which we currently lack direct connections. He also emphasized the significance of Turkish Airlines as ’the airline that flies to the most countries in the world’, solidifying Istanbul as the ideal gateway to attract high-spending travelers interested in culture, gastronomy, and quality leisure activities. This new link is part of the Air Connectivity Strategy 2023-2025 of Andalusia, promoted through the Air Connectivity Table, which includes the Junta, provincial and local institutions, Aena, Turespaña, and the Confederation of Businessmen of Andalusia (CEA).

In this announcement, Seville’s Mayor, José Luis Sanz, emphasized that the opening ‘reinforces our position as an open, connected city ready to attract international tourism and business opportunities’. He added that thanks to the extensive network of Turkish Airlines, ‘Seville will be closer to Asia, the Middle East, America, and Africa’, enhancing access to economically and touristically significant markets. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in the Air Connectivity Table, reiterating the city’s commitment to continue improving connectivity to generate jobs and increase international projection.

The establishment of this route reinforces Andalusia’s strategy to enhance international connectivity and diversify its tourism offerings, focusing on high-value markets and addressing seasonality in demand. At the same time, it consolidates the relationship with Turkish Airlines, which has decisively helped expand regional connections and position Andalusia as an accessible destination from multiple continents due to the connectivity provided by the Istanbul hub.