Strong Steps on Ancestral Land: Turkish Airlines Continues to Expand in Turkmenistan
Mesut Özen, General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Turkmenistan, reflected on his first eight months in office during an interview with the ORIENT news portal. He shared important insights about the company’s operations in the country, its expansion strategies, and future vision.
Having previously worked in Azerbaijan, Mesut Özen noted that the adaptation process in Turkmenistan went very quickly and smoothly. “We consider Turkmenistan our ancestral homeland; I felt at home here,” he emphasized, adding that the warmth and hospitality of the local people made the transition much easier.
The General Manager spoke about his official participation in the opening ceremony of the new airport in Balkanabat, which gave him the opportunity to become familiar with various regions of the country. Turkish Airlines increased the number of flights from Ashgabat from 11 last year to 14, and then to 17, reflecting the company’s confidence in Turkmenistan and its long-term plans.
The company currently works with 10 agencies in Ashgabat and other provinces, and plans to increase their number and improve service quality. Özen emphasized that Turkmenistan’s rich natural resources, young population, and tourism potential offer significant opportunities.
In addition to flight services, Turkish Airlines organizes promotional tours to various destinations for travel agents and media representatives. This year, trips were arranged to Trabzon, Rize, and Antalya (fam trip), and by the end of 2025, a similar tour is planned for Cappadocia. Next year, promotional activities will also expand to countries beyond Türkiye.
By 2033, Turkish Airlines aims to grow its fleet to 800 aircraft. Currently, it operates more than 480 aircraft and flies to over 350 destinations. Thanks to Istanbul’s strategic location and the capacity of its new airport, passengers can fly directly to more than 50 countries within 3 to 5 hours.
The interview also touched on the visit of Turkmen journalists to Türkiye on the anniversary of July 15. Mesut Özen highlighted the spirit of resistance of the Turkish people and noted that the support shown by Turkmenistan after the coup attempt has not been forgotten.
In conclusion, the General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Turkmenistan described the Turkmen people as “warm, sincere, and hospitable.” He pointed out the natural beauty of the country and the tourism potential of the Avaza region, expressing confidence that Turkmenistan will become a major tourist destination in the coming years. Turkish Airlines, he stressed, intends to play an active role in that process.
ORIENT
