Turkish Airlines: Now service to Cotonou, Benin; the 26th country in Africa

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

Turkish Airlines’ Africa network now encompasses 39 destinations with the addition of Cotonou, Benin; the 26th country in Africa and one of 107 nations served across the globe.

Turkish Airlines’ Africa network now encompasses 39 destinations with the addition of Cotonou, Benin; the 26th country in Africa and one of 107 nations served across the globe.

By adding its 107th country, Turkish Airlines, “Europe’s Best Airline” for the last three years (as ranked by Skytrax), continues expand its already substantial African network.

Already having the most comprehensive airline network, Turkish Airlines brings yet another destination in Africa online. Turkish Airlines’ 256th destination, Cotonou flights began. Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Cotonou are operated 4 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Cotonou starting at 420 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Additionally, for the first 6 months of operations to new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.

Cotonou is the country’s largest city as well as being its financial and transportation hub. The airport at Cotonou is Benin’s only international gateway—located 39 kilometers from Porto Novo, the nation’s capital. The Cotonou city center, 15 kilometers from the airport and located in the southeastern part of the country, is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué.

In addition to being Benin’s largest city, it houses many of its government and diplomatic services. The city is the major maritime and avition port, and is the terminus of the railway as well. It is also home to the Cotonou Friendship Stadium, Cotonou Cathedral and Cotonou Central Mosque; an important place of worship for Muslims not only in the city, but also the country as a whole. The 20-hectare Dantokpa Market, which has a commercial turnover of over one billion CFA Francs a day and the National University of Benin are also there. Its motorcycle-taxis known as Zémidjans are another hallmark of the city.

The lagoon of Cotonou, which connects Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Ocean, divides the city in two, with the western and the eastern sectors connected by three bridges. Other bridges on the main highway link Benin with the neighboring countries of Nigeria on the east and Togo on the west.

The Royal Palace, recently transformed into the Musée Honme, is especially famous for its focus on the Hogbonu King Toffa, who lost his life in 1905. One notable item in the collection is a historic musical instrument known as the “alounloun.” The Ethnographic Museum was opened in 1966 and houses one of the richest collections in Benin. It features displays of masks, sculptures, hundreds of different African art pieces, weapons, musical instruments and also includes dioramas from birth and death ceremonies.

The quarter known as Grand Marché de Dantokpa, bordered on one side by the lagoon, with the other facing the St. Michel Boulevard, is among the busiest places of Cotonou. In the market, resembling a labyrinth, it is possible to find almost anything from the West African region. Dantokpa is an important market from a regional perspective as well; featuring goods not only from Benin but also from the neighboring countries of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Ivory Coast, and it continues to grow in size.

The aspect of Benin that attracts the most visitor attention is the lengthy coastline. Haie Vive, located in the western part of the city, is adjacent to beaches and the sea, with many tourist facilities including hotels, as well as bars and restaurants on the beach. Because Benin acts a melting pot of West African culture, you can find not only the best examples of the cuisine of Benin, but also dishes featuring the flavors of the neighboring countries of Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Ivory Coast.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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