Bratislava to Resume Charter Flights to Senegal from October

Bratislava, 19 July (TASR) - In addition to existing flights to nearby seaside resorts, passengers travelling from Bratislava Airport will once again be able to use charter services to several more distant exotic destinations from the autumn and winter seasons. After a break of several years, travellers from the Slovak capital will again be able to fly to the West African country of Senegal. Tour operator Hydrotour announced on Thursday (16 July) that it plans to operate its first direct flight from Bratislava on 2 October. It currently expects to run eight return services during October and November. Hydrotour chief executive Mikulas Milko said that Senegal is a major West African country attracting leading global investors from both East and West. "For visitors, the country's greatest attraction is probably its authenticity, as it is still possible to experience its original way of life, culture and traditions," he said. Milko noted that Slovak citizens do not require visas to travel to Senegal. "Senegal is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the gradual arrival of prestigious international hotel chains with their own clientele, and we are pleased to be part of that trend," he added. Bratislava Airport director Dusan Novota claimed that it was important to replace Middle Eastern destinations with new ones for the winter season because of the situation in the region. "Through Senegal, we also welcome Africa as another step towards strengthening the winter season with destinations that Slovaks can safely book well in advance without worrying whether circumstances might change," Novota said. He added that flights from Bratislava are planned to around ten long-haul holiday destinations, including Senegal, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Zanzibar, Kenya and Oman. "We regret that we had to suspend charter flights to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. As for the coming autumn, we are not very optimistic about Bahrain and Qatar. However, we are optimistic about Oman and expect flights to operate on the original schedule and at full capacity," Milko said. He added that Hydrotour has long operated charter flights to Cape Verde during the summer season, with the islands located opposite the coast of Senegal. mf/jrg