Mohamed Salah move prompts Turkish Airlines to launch Cairo-Trabzon flights

Turkish Airlines will operate direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon after Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor, with the first scheduled service due to take place on 11 August.

The new route reflects the expected demand from Egyptian supporters keen to watch their national team captain in his new surroundings, following a transfer that has caused a major surprise in the Turkish market.

Trabzonspor completed the signing of Salah after Besiktas had appeared to be the leading contender for his signature in recent days. The outcome represents a dramatic change in the negotiations, with Trabzonspor ultimately securing the former Liverpool star.

The Turkish club issued an official statement confirming Salah’s arrival and outlined the length of the contract agreed with the player. However, no financial details of the deal were disclosed.

According to the Turkish newspaper Kuzey Ekspres, the decision to introduce the direct air link is designed to accommodate the expected number of Egyptian fans travelling to see Salah play for his new club.

The newspaper described the initiative as “recognition of the exceptional standing Mohamed Salah enjoys among Egyptian and Arab supporters, and a desire to make travel easier and allow the greatest possible number of his fans to visit his new home”.

It also reported that charter flights between Cairo and Trabzon had already begun as part of tourism initiatives being carried out in the city. The first direct charter flight arrived on Thursday carrying 120 passengers.

The new connection is expected to increase tourism and sporting exchanges between Egypt and Trabzon. The city is preparing for an unprecedented influx of supporters as the new season approaches, with Salah’s arrival likely to become a major attraction for visiting fans.

Salah’s move had not been widely anticipated in the days before the agreement was completed. Besiktas had been viewed as the club most likely to conclude the deal, but Trabzonspor managed to change the direction of the transfer and secure the signing of one of Liverpool’s former stars.

The club’s announcement confirmed that the contractual agreement had been finalised, although it did not reveal how long Salah’s playing commitment would last beyond the stated contract term or disclose the transfer fee.

The direct flights are therefore being presented not only as a response to football demand but also as a means of strengthening links between Egypt and Trabzon. With supporters expected to travel to follow Salah, the route could provide easier access to the club’s matches while supporting the wider tourism plans associated with the player’s arrival.