Bahrain Air has started its direct flights to Istanbul, Turkey, it emerged yesterday.The inaugural flight left Bahrain on Friday with Bahrain Air managing director Ibrahim Al Hamer and commercial operations director Richard Nuttall, among others.

It was received at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport by airport chief commercial officer Server Aydin and chief executive officer Gokhan Bugday.Mr Al Hamer said the route would provide a boost to tourism in Bahrain and Turkey as well as support the growing commercial ties between the countries.We anticipate this route will enhance the existing passenger and cargo load capacity between the two countries and boost bilateral trade,” he said.Bahrain Air operates a two-class Airbus A320 to Istanbul, configured to carry 156 passengers with 12 seats in the Business Premium class and 144 in economy class.