Travel agents in Kolkata bet big on Turkish delight

KOLKATA: With Turkish Airlines planning direct flights between Kolkata and Istanbul after the new terminal becomes operational, most travel operators in the city are upbeat. Some of them, however, pointed out that the Turkish carrier needs to go in for an elaborate planning to make the move sustainable. Unless this is done, it may land up in the same situation other international airlines did in the past and give the city a bad name.
"Turkish Airlines has shown interest in operating from Kolkata. However, there are some requisite permissions that need to be taken before they can start operations," said B P Sharma, director, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
According to sources, Turkish Airlines has already applied for necessary clearances and is keen to start operations from the city as soon as the new terminal is ready. Not only is there a huge demand from people who wish to visit Turkey and the Mediterranean region, but also those who wish to change flights at Istanbul and fly into Europe. Turkish Airlines has been promoting Istanbul as a transit point for Europe-bound travellers. Nearly all European cities are at 3-4 hours flying time from Istanbul.
"There is tremendous potential for Istanbul. The Turkish government is doing a lot to promote tourism and the plans by Turkish Airlines are part of this. The tourism industry there is extremely well organized and travellers can feel safe. Agents' meets have already been planned and I believe that Turkish Airlines is planning to come to Kolkata in a big way," said Joydeep Mukherjee, regional vice-president, IATA Agents' Association of India.
Travel Agents' Federation of India chairman (east) Anil Punjabi is aware of a survey that took place but believes that Turkish Airlines needs to sit down and discuss matters before starting operations from Kolkata.
"Istanbul is a very popular destination, no doubt. It is also true that there are no European carriers operating from Kolkata at the moment. However, a strategy needs to be formulated before flights start operating. Any airline will need to have a proper vision and should consider the possibility of sustaining losses for 2-3 years before breaking even. Unless matters are discussed with agents and plans formulated about frequency and timings, there is always the risk of airlines pulling out of a certain sector. We have seen this happen in Kolkata in the past. It just gives the sector a bad name without any reason," Punjabi said.
According to Mukherjee, Turkish Airlines has already applied for the requisite clearances. So have other airlines. "It all depends on how soon the new terminal in Kolkata becomes operational. We have information that at least nine airlines are looking at starting operations from the city. Those like British Airways and KLM already have valid licences. Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines are waiting to enter the market as soon as the terminal is ready," he said.
Turkish Airlines has plans to connect with at least five cities in India. Through this move, the airline hopes to divert at least two-third of Europe-bound passengers through Istanbul. Given the propensity among Indians to travel to exotic locations on vacation, officials also want to promote Turkey and the Mediterranean as destinations.