An initiative spearheaded by the Hotel Association of Turkey (TÜROB) and backed by the Governor of Istanbul, Turkish Airlines and the Turkey Tourism Investors Association may result in the resumption of China Southern flights to Istanbul later this year, and also the addition of Hainan Airlines flights to Turkey in 2019.

The airlines are currently seeking the approval of Turkish aviation officials for these flights.

Turkey has a goal of receiving one million visitors annually from China.

Can the necessary red tape be gotten through in time for the summer 2018 tourist season? Stay tuned.