Salah effect sparks new Cairo-Trabzon flight route as Egyptian fans prepare for Turkish adventure

The impact of Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor has extended beyond football, with Turkish Airlines announcing new direct flights between Cairo and Trabzon to accommodate growing interest from Egyptian supporters.

The airline confirmed that the new route will begin on 11 August, following the Egyptian captain’s surprise transfer to the Turkish club.

The decision reflects the huge public attention surrounding Salah’s arrival in Trabzon, with many Egyptian fans expected to travel to Turkey to watch one of Africa’s greatest footballers begin a new chapter of his career.

Trabzonspor win race for Egyptian star

Salah’s move to Trabzonspor came as a surprise after Turkish giants Besiktas had appeared to be leading the race for his signature.

However, Trabzonspor’s management moved quickly to secure an agreement with the former Liverpool forward, completing a deal that has generated significant excitement across Turkey and Egypt.

The club later released an official statement confirming Salah’s arrival and the length of his contract, although the financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Fans expected to follow Salah in Turkey

According to Turkish newspaper Kuzeyekspres, the new flight route was introduced in response to the expected demand from Egyptian supporters eager to follow Salah’s journey with his new club.

The newspaper said the move was made “in appreciation of the exceptional status that Mohamed Salah enjoys among the Egyptian and Arab public, and out of a desire to facilitate movement and open the way for the largest number of his fans to visit his new stronghold.”

The initiative is expected to strengthen links between Egypt and Trabzon while making it easier for fans to attend matches and experience the city that has become Salah’s new football home.

Tourism boost expected

As part of wider tourism efforts in Trabzon, charter flights between Cairo and the Turkish city have already started, with the first direct charter flight arriving on Thursday carrying 120 passengers.

The new connection is expected to increase tourism and sports exchange between Egypt and Trabzon, with the city preparing for a significant increase in visitors when the new football season begins.

Salah’s arrival has already created excitement among Trabzonspor supporters, and the introduction of direct flights highlights the wider impact of the Egyptian star’s move beyond the pitch.