Turkish Airlines has expanded its services from London Gatwick to Istanbul, with Turkey’s national carrier now offering flights to both of Istanbul’s airports.

Offering passengers increased choice of when to fly and providing further onward connections, the new flights to Sabiha Gökçen airport will fly three times a week and then daily from June 1st 2013.

Turkish Airlines already operates a daily service between London Gatwick and Atatürk airport – Istanbul’s’ major hub – which offers connections to the airline’s extensive global network particularly in the Middle East and Asia.

The new routes to Sabiha Gökçen airport will enable passengers to connect to a wider variety of domestic destinations in eastern Turkey and also offer Turkish travellers more choice of flights to London.

As a key destination for business travel, Turkey has one of the most dynamic and attractive markets in the world with trade between the UK and Turkey increasing by almost 40 per cent since 2009.

Turkey is cited as one of the world’s eight most dynamic ‘growth markets’ according to research by Goldman Sachs.

Gatwick will serve four of these eight markets by the end of 2013.

Alongside Turkey, services are available to China and Russia and the UK’s first direct flights to Indonesia will commence later this year.

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer, London Gatwick commented: “Turkey is an incredibly important market for both business and leisure travellers so we are delighted that Turkish Airlines will now offer more direct services from Gatwick.

“Istanbul is a key destination thanks to its status as one of the world’s most dynamic cities for business but also because it offers excellent onward connections to the Middle East and Asia in particular.

“These extra flights will offer greater choice and flexibility for those wanting to reach Istanbul and beyond.”