Ohrid, 31 May 2023 (MIA) — Some 6,000 British tourists are expected to visit Ohrid this summer now that the country's airport operator has welcomed the British charter airline TUI's first direct flights from Manchester and London, according to TAV Macedonia in a press release.

Welcoming the first flight from Manchester, Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski; TAV Macedonia general manager Nejat Kurt; and TUI Airways Ski, Lakes and Mountains managing director Chris Logan all gave speeches on the two new seasonal charter flights that will be arriving in Ohrid on Wednesdays.

"I believe these new destinations will significantly contribute to the development of the entire region and air traffic, because new flights mean more tourists," Minister Bochvarski said.

"Connecting Ohrid to the airports in London and Manchester also greatly benefits our citizens, as those airports provide important connections to the rest of Europe and the world," he noted.

"The two new flights from Great Britain to Ohrid will improve travel options and open opportunities for foreign tourists to explore the incredible beauty and rich cultural heritage of picturesque Ohrid," TAV Macedonia's general manager Kurt said.  

"TAV Macedonia, via the Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport, strives to improve travel experiences, promote tourism, and support regional development," he added.

"We will be operating two flights per week to Ohrid Airport during the summer season, from both Manchester and London Gatwick," TUI's Ski, Lakes and Mountains managing director Logan said.

The TUI Airways Boeing 737-800 flights will operate between May 31 and Sept. 20. The aircraft seats 189 passengers.

TAV Macedonia ended the first quarter of 2023 (January–April) welcoming 753,377 passengers at the Skopje and Ohrid airports. This is a 44% increase compared to the same months in 2022 and a 9% increase compared to 2019, which is considered a reference year in aviation, given the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. mr/