Mauritius Strengthens its International Visibility

Several political and institutional figures gathered in Mauritius to celebrate 10 years of direct flights between Istanbul and the island.

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

Launched ten years ago with three flights per week, the service now serves the island seven times a week. The goal is to reach 14 weekly flights in the coming years. According to Ahmet Tursun, Turkish Airlines’ Regional Director for the Indian Ocean, more than one million passengers have traveled on this route, demonstrating its importance to the Mauritian economy and tourism.

During the ceremony, Junior Minister Sydney Pierre emphasized the strategic role of this connection in attracting new visitors. “We are consolidating our traditional markets such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, but we are also expanding into new territories, particularly in Eastern Europe, where the airline has a strong presence,” he explained.

He also stressed the quality of the service offered. “It is a premium carrier that provides a consistent experience for its passengers. In ten years, we have gone from a few flights per week to a daily service, and we are aiming for even more flights, while maintaining a balance with other airlines, including our national carrier,” he stated.

This anniversary underscores the positive impact of this route on tourism and connectivity in Mauritius. By linking the island to more than 300 destinations worldwide, this connection facilitates the arrival of visitors, supports economic development and helps to position Mauritius as a must-see destination in the Indian Ocean.