Israeli airlines set to fly to Turkey

Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has signalled that Israeli airlines will once again fly directly to Turkey.

The announcement comes on the back of improved relationships between the two countries and as part of an airline security agreement negotiated in 2022.

The Foreign Minister was in Turkey to show his country’s support after thousands of people were killed in the recent earthquake.

Flights will start on February 16, 2023, with Cohen predicting a 25% increase in tourism this year, reports Reuters.

The Minister claimed a million Israeli tourists would visit Turkey in 2023.

“I would like to update you that Israeli flights will renew in two days from now, and all the three major companies in Israel will renew their flights to Turkey,” Cohen said.

He added: “We will definitely warm the important relations between your important and beautiful country and Israel.”

It is understood that the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck Turkey has taken the lives of more than 37,000 people.