Operating from airports across the UK, EasyJet, Monarch and Turkish airline, Pegasus, will all be capitalizing on the Bodrum boom.
With a floundering pound, the eurozone is off-limits for many holidaymakers and overseas home hunters, so Turkey is taking a huge slice of the market with its balmy Mediterranean climate, value-for-money Lira and under four hour flying time. ABTA reported a huge 25% increase in bookings to Turkey made through its members in 2009 and the airlines have been quick to respond.
Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines was the first to pin its colours to the mast adding a substantial 17 new direct flights per week from the UK to Turkey, including services to Bodrum from Manchester and London Stansted.
EasyJet has added Liverpool, Bristol and London Stansted to its current London Gatwick service to Bodrum. Although summer only, this service could extend year-round dependent on interest. Meanwhile Monarch is preparing to head east from May with the introduction of new London Luton flights to Bodrum which will operate alongside existing, but increased, services from London Gatwick and Manchester.