Swiss cancels winter flights to Istanbul

The airline Swiss has cancelled all flights to Istanbul for the upcoming winter season, citing a drop in passengers after terrorist attacks in recent months and the attempted coup two weeks ago. Swiss confirmed on Thursday that shrinking demand had led to the decision for the 2016/17 winter season. The new flight plan comes into effect on October 30.  According to the Turkish tourism ministry 34.7% fewer foreigners travelled to the country in May, compared to the same month a year earlier. A spokesperson for Swiss, Meike Fuhlrott, also said on Thursday that the strong growth of Turkish Airlines, which is partially state-owned, had led to capacity outstripping demand on the Zurich-Istanbul route, and that prices had dropped. Swiss would not give concrete figures for the decline in bookings, but said they have lowered their prices in recent months due to a lack of bookings. The flight currently costs CHF84 ($84).The company flies twice daily to the Turkish city, ...