Turkish Airlines has marked ten years of direct service between Istanbul and Abuja with a celebratory dinner in the Nigerian capital, describing the occasion as a testament to perseverance, innovation, and global connection.
Speaking at the event, the airline’s General Manager in Abuja, Mr Akin Carcki, said the past decade represented not just longevity but a journey of evolution in the face of multiple global challenges.
“Back in 2015, our first flight arrived in Abuja. Today, we’re celebrating a decade of connecting cultures, building partnerships, and overcoming obstacles together,” he said.
Carcki revealed that over 6,000 Turkish Airlines flights have operated into Abuja since launching the route, helping to reinforce bilateral relations and enhance travel and trade between Nigeria and Turkey.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian authorities and private sector partners for their role in enabling the airline’s success. “None of our progress would have been possible without the trust and cooperation of our Nigerian stakeholders,” he noted.
Reflecting on recent global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Carcki emphasised the airline’s resilience. “These crises pushed us to innovate and adapt. We don’t just transport passengers; we connect them to what matters most,” he said.
Carcki also announced that Turkish Airlines now serves 353 global destinations and was recently awarded eight accolades at the 2025 Skytrax Awards, including the prestigious title of “Best Airline in Europe.”
He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to expanding international connectivity, improving the customer experience through advanced technologies, and investing in human capital.
“We will keep working with our partners and travel agents to create memorable journeys. The future will be built on the same values that brought us this far: partnership, innovation, and determination,” he concluded.
Among those in attendance were Turkey’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, his deputy Elif Durdu, as well as senior Nigerian government officials and key figures from the aviation and travel sectors.
