It’s
not the longest flight ever available, but it’s long enough.
And
the longest
direct flight in Denver International Airport (DIA) history.
Turkish
Airlines will offer nonstop service between Denver and Istanbul. The flights
will begin in June and will clock in at more than 6,100 miles between the two
cities.
Be
forewarned that it is expensive, however. Currently, fares for the thrice-weekly
flight run almost $1,300 roundtrip.
And
it might not even be the longest flight out of DIA for very long. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and DIA chief
executive Phil Washington made the announcement of the 26th airline
to fly out of DIA, but also talked about the future.
“Turkish Airlines is the most connected
airline in the world. This not only opens Denver to Istanbul and Turkey. It
also opens up opportunities for us into India, Africa, and the Middle East ... We’re
looking at companies interested in establishing a North American headquarters
here.”
Is Africa Next?
Denver will be the 14th U.S. city to offer direct
flights to Turkey. Turkish Airlines officials said they’re hoping these will
bring 2 million tourists a year to visit Turkey.
DIA officials are also trying to entice
Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air to offer flights to Africa. They’re also
working to line up nonstop access to Amsterdam, and other cities in Japan.
“We’re being very ambitious in terms of
increasing our global connections,” Washington said. “I see us as the gateway
to the United States because of our geographic location.”
Istanbul is the 31st international
destination in 17 countries for Denver International Airport. It will be 32
destinations next month when DIA adds Dublin, Ireland. Other international cities
that DIA travelers can reach nonstop include London, Paris, Zurich, Reykjavik,
Iceland, Munich, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and a dozen cities in Mexico and Central
America.
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