Mauritius Eyes Flight Boost as Istanbul Route Hits 1 Million Passengers Milestone

Mauritius is set to significantly expand its global connectivity following the tenth anniversary of direct flights between Istanbul and the island, a partnership that has already funneled over one million passengers into the local economy.

Government officials and aviation leaders gathered recently to celebrate a decade of the route, which has grown from an initial three flights per week to a daily service. Plans are now in motion to double this capacity to 14 weekly flights in the coming years.

Strategic Expansion Beyond Europe

Junior Minister of Tourism, Sydney Pierre, hailed the connection as a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to diversify its visitor base. While Mauritius remains committed to traditional markets like the UK, France, and Germany, the Istanbul hub is proving vital for tapping into Eastern Europe.

“We are consolidating our traditional markets… but we are also expanding into new territories, particularly in Eastern Europe, where the airline has a strong presence,” Sydney Pierre explained.

The Junior Minister further emphasised that the “premium” nature of the carrier ensures a consistent experience for travellers, helping to position the island as a premier destination in the Indian Ocean.

Economic Impact and Global Reach

Ahmet Tursun, Regional Director for the Indian Ocean at Turkish Airlines, confirmed the route’s success, noting that the million-passenger milestone underscores its importance to Mauritian prosperity. By linking the island to a network of over 300 destinations worldwide, the service facilitates international trade and tourism.

Despite the ambitious growth targets, the government remains mindful of the local aviation landscape. Mr Pierre noted the importance of maintaining a “balance with other airlines,” including the national carrier, as frequency increases.

High-Level Attendance

The anniversary ceremony saw a significant turnout from the Mauritian Cabinet, reflecting the diplomatic and economic weight of the partnership. Attendees included:

• Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands
• Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities
• John Michaël Tzoun Sao Yeung Sik Yuen, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection
• Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister of Tourism
• Ashwani Sood, Honorary Consul of Turkey in Mauritius

The event concluded by reaffirming that this decade-long link is a primary driver in strengthening Mauritius’s international visibility and supporting long-term economic development.

Source: Capmad