By John Moses
Turkish Airlines has commemorated ten years of uninterrupted operations in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, celebrating what it called “dreams taking flight” and a decade of strategic partnerships, resilience, and aviation excellence.
The airline’s General Manager in Abuja, Mr Akin Carcki, hosted a dinner event in the capital to mark the milestone since Turkish Airlines first landed in Abuja in 2015, launching direct services from Istanbul.
Reflecting on the journey, Carcki said: “This isn’t just an anniversary; it’s a celebration of transformation – of challenges turned into achievements and partnerships that helped us soar.”
Since the inception of its Abuja route, the airline has completed over 6,000 flights to and from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, reinforcing its role as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
Carcki highlighted the airline’s commitment to excellence and praised the Nigerian government for fostering an enabling environment. “Our success in Nigeria would not have been possible without the strong support from government agencies and our partners in the travel sector,” he said.
He acknowledged the trials faced by the aviation industry globally, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but emphasised that Turkish Airlines had remained resilient, adaptable, and innovative.
“We are not merely in the business of flying; we connect people to families, opportunities, and their homelands,” Carcki added.
The airline, now operating 353 destinations in 131 countries, was recently named “Best Airline in Europe” for the tenth time at the 2025 Skytrax Awards. It currently maintains a fleet of 485 aircraft and continues to invest in digital and customer service innovation.
The event was attended by notable guests including the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, officials from Nigeria’s Ministries of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and key players in the travel industry.
