Turkish Airlines has returned to the Greek destination of Thessaloniki for the first time in ten years.

The expansion is just the latest in a series of developments for the airline, which was last year recognised by the World Travel Awards as offering Europe’s Leading Airline Business Class.

Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Thessaloniki on Friday having originally cancelled the service in 2001.

Passengers were waved off with flowers during the inaugural flight from İstanbul Atatürk Airport.

Turkish Airlines chief executive, Temel Kotil, said: “We will make İstanbul the most easily accessible city worldwide before 2023,” said Kotil, referring to the centennial of the Republic of Turkey.

THY flights to Thessaloniki will take place four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Flights will depart at 10:00 (GMT +2) from İstanbul and at 12:25 (GMT +2) from Thessaloniki.

Until March 31st of next year, THY will offer its passengers a reduced price of €164 with all taxes included for a round-trip flight.