Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Summer is coming and long-awaited trips to exotic countries will soon become the rage.

Turkey, one of the world's major centers of summer and winter tourism, is the most popular destination for tourists, for whom the large number of hotels with reasonable prices is of great interest.

Those Azerbaijanis who wish to relax in a pleasant and cozy atmosphere are likely to choose Turkey, preferring to stay in Antalya, Kemer, and Bodrum. The number of Azerbaijani tourists in Turkey was 600,000 in 2013, while it is expected to reach 700,000 this year.

Taking this aspect into account, Azerbaijani Airlines (AZAL) will start operating seasonal direct flights to the resort towns of Turkey, including Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir in May and June.

Baku-Antalya-Baku flights will be conducted from May 18 to September 30 on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Planes will depart from Baku at 11:10 local time on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and at 16:10 on Fridays, AZAL said.

Baku-Bodrum-Baku flights will operate every day at 10:00 a.m. from June 12 to September 13, the company added.

Baku-Izmir-Baku flights will be conducted from June 13 to September 16 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Planes will depart from Baku at 08:00 local time on Tuesday and 11:30 on Fridays.

The airfare for all destinations will be 575 manat.

AZAL, the country's biggest flag carrier, enjoys great popularity in the country, so it cooperates with about 60 airlines to provide its passengers with an opportunity to travel freely around the world.

Turkish Airlines, Russian Aeroflot, and Qatar Airways are among the most popular companies that cooperate with Azerbaijani Airlines.

Earlier, AZAL was given a certificate allowing it to operate direct flights to the U.S.