NORTHERN Ireland could soon have a direct air connection with Istanbul if “strenuous” efforts by Belfast International Airport pay off, the Belfast Telegraph has revealed.

Turkish Ambassador to the UK Unal Cevikoz visited Belfast International Airport – the location of the office of the first honorary Turkish consul to Northern Ireland.

Mr Cevikoz was also greeted by Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy and airport managing director John Doran, and met David Campbell, the new consul and a former chairman of the Ulster Unionist Party.

A spokesman for the airport said: “We are very privileged at the airport to host the office of the honorary Turkish consul, which we hope will build on trade links and lead to a deeper understanding between Northern Ireland and Turkey.

“We hope it will lead to a direct air link between Northern Ireland – after successful negotiations with the local administration – and Istanbul, which is rapidly growing in importance as a major international airport.”

No one from Turkish Airlines was available for comment. It’s understood Belfast International is putting strenuous efforts into securing the air link.

One aviation expert said the outward-looking attitude of Turkish Airlines, which has driven the expansion of Istanbul’s airport into a significant hub, could help its cause in Northern Ireland.