Istanbul–Ohrid Direct Flight: One Year Later and How It Boosted Ohrid’s Global Connectivity

More than a year has passed since Turkish Airlines launched flights between Istanbul and Ohrid. Has this new air connection contributed to greater visibility of North Macedonia as a tourist destination?

In March 2025, the first Turkish Airlines aircraft landed at Ohrid Airport on the direct Istanbul–Ohrid route. With this, Ohrid became the second destination of the Turkish national carrier in North Macedonia, after Skopje.

More than just an air route

When the route was announced, it was seen as another transport connection. In practice, however, Istanbul represents one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, meaning Ohrid gained access to hundreds of cities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas with just one stopover.

Ohrid as the first encounter with North Macedonia

For many international visitors, Ohrid is the first point of contact with the country. The lake, the old town, churches, monasteries, and natural landscapes are already well-known tourist symbols. Today, however, accessibility plays an equally important role alongside the destination itself.

Who benefits the most

The impact of such a route is not limited to hotels. Better connectivity means more opportunities for family-run accommodations, local guides, wineries, rural households, and all providers of authentic experiences across the country.

Every traveler arriving in Ohrid is a potential visitor to other regions such as Berovo, Krushevo, Mavrovo, Tikvesh, Mariovo, Galichnik, or Shar Mountain.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in experiences beyond traditional hotel stays, with a focus on nature, local food, and active tourism.

A more accessible North Macedonia

The basic rule in tourism remains simple: the easier a destination is to reach, the higher the chance it will be chosen.

The Istanbul–Ohrid route has improved international connectivity and placed North Macedonia closer to global travel flows.

What comes next

After one year, the real question is not whether the route has an impact, but how that impact can be better utilized. Ohrid is already a recognizable brand, but the challenge is to encourage tourists to stay longer and explore more regions across the country.

With proper development of tourism offerings and stronger regional connectivity, North Macedonia can increase its share in the growing European market for authentic and rural tourism.