11/08/2019 16:40

Opportune infection

[IMG=18820-4451] Bashkir Airlilnes cancelled charter flights to Turkey from January 13th due to the possibility of the transmission of Bird Flu to the Republic, Interfax reports. Bashkir Airlines own Press Service stated that it is a standard measure during outbreaks of epidemiological diseases. Flights are scheduled to restart in mid-February, assuming the situation in Turkey has improved by then. However, passengers on other flights arriving at Ufa International Airport (the main hub of Baskir Airlines) are carefully checked for unusual symptoms and Ufa travel market experts interviewed by Nanka have claimed that the airline has cancelled the flights due to low demand rather than health concerns. Viktor Romanov, Deputy Director of Sputnik Yuldash observed that: 'Two weekly charters to Istanbul were cancelled before New Year and not re-started afterwards; of course, it is easier to cite bird flu as the cause rather than low demand'. Guzel Baibulina, Director of Around The World Travel Company added that: 'The majority of the demand for charter flights came from individuals who went to Istanbul for business or shoppping'. In general, winter trips to Turkey are not very popular amongst tourists form the Ufa region - they prefer local ski resorts such as Abzakovo and Bannoe. Even in summer, The Emirates and Egypt are the most popular destinations. In fact, local operators in the region find it hard to fill charter flights to any destination. The Director of Era Tour company has suggested a possible reason why: 'Travellers from Ufa to The Emirates recently found that it was cheaper to fly via Moscow or Ekaterinburg than with a charter direct from Ufa'.