Prestwick Airport lands Turkish charter flights

PRESTWICK Airport has won its first new flights since being rescued from closure by the Scottish Government last month, with Oska Travel to operate Turkish charter services to Antalya in March.

The boost comes nine months after Prestwick lost Wizz Air's Polish flights to Glasgow. Picture: Robert Perry

The boost comes nine months after the struggling Ayrshire airport lost Wizz Air’s Polish flights to rival Glasgow - leaving it as a solely Ryanair operation for passengers.

The no-frills carrier operates 25 European routes from there.

Oska will also run the first charter flights from the airport since Holidays4U ended services to Dalaman in Turkey in two years ago.

Oska will operate three return flights in March for the week-long trips, which included tours of Kemer, Pamukkale, Tavas and Perga.

The Scottish Government took over Prestwick for £1 after New Zealand owners Infratil threatened to shut it following a major reduction in passenger numbers.Prestwick Airport spokeswoman Paula Horne said: “We are delighted to have secured these Oska Travel tours from Prestwick this March.

“It allows us to put yet another Mediterranean destination on our departure board, emphasising once again that Prestwick is Scotland’s low-cost gateway to year-round sunshine.”

Andreas Forsthuber, director of Oska Travel owners the Kenba group, said: “We are very excited to add Prestwick to our portfolio and are also delighted to offer a one-week voyage of discovery to the fabulous Turkish Riviera.

“We are convinced Scots will love this tour.”

The announcement came as Glasgow Chamber of Commerce today renewed its call for a meeting with ministers over the airport sale.

Chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “Despite assurances that it would happen, we have as yet had no reply from the Scottish Government regarding a meeting to allay our concerns about the negative effect on Glasgow Airport of the Prestwick purchase.

“In buying Glasgow Prestwick Airport, the Scottish Ministers now have a direct stake in the performance of the airport industry in the Central Belt of Scotland.

“We are concerned that this may have detrimental effects on the performance of Glasgow International Airport.”

SEE ALSO

• Prestwick Airport set to be sold for £1

• Sturgeon confirms Prestwick Airport acquired by Scottish government for £1

• Glasgow Airport fears raised over Prestwick deal

• Dani Garavelli: Wing and a prayer for Prestwick to soar again