TAV: Monastir Airport will remain open and continue serving passengers

TAV Airports will maintain its operations at both Monastir Habib Bourguiba and Enfidha-Hammamet Airports in Tunisia in which it has invested 550 million Euro. Studies are ongoing regarding improvement of employees rights and 570 additional workers have been employed recently. TAV Airports President & CEO Mustafa Sani Şener held a press meeting in the capital city Tunis and refuted any and all rumors that Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport is to be closed. In March 2007, the Tunisian Ministry of Transport announced TAV Airports as the winner of the bid to operate Monastir Habib Bourguiba and the BOT project of the Enfidha Hammamet International Airports, both for 40 years. TAV Airports has invested 550 million in Tunisia backed by reputable global financial institutions such as the IFC, a member of the World Bank group, and the Pan African Fund for the Development of Infrastructure, at a time when the world economy was in the midst of a severe economic crisis. TAV Airports Holding President & CEO Mustafa Sani Şener stated that “During the world financial crisis when most companies were canceling their investments and laying off workers, TAV Airports has continued to invest in the future of Tunisia. We have not dismissed any of our employees; instead we have hired 570 extra workers...” Şener also added that “We know that airports are the showrooms of countries; foreign visitors make their first impression of a country when they arrive at the airport as well as their final impression when they leave. TAV Airports has employed the state-of-the-art IT systems in Monastir airport and is committed to keeping it operating at international standards. The company has also dedicated its global expertise and know-how in Enfidha; one of the best Airports in South Europe and Africa, a major contribution to the tourism sector of Tunisia.” Şener also remarked, “The new--and very much deserved--democratic atmosphere that is prevailing now in Tunisia will certainly offer all of us the opportunity to work more efficiently towards the achievement of better results for the Tunisian tourism sector... TAV, through its operations at both Monastir Habib Bourguiba and Enfidha-Hammamet Airports is strongly determined to play a major role towards this end. Under TAV operations and with its internationally proven expertise and the dedication of its entire staff, Monastir Habib Bourguiba and Enfidha-Hammamet Airports will be two outstanding complementary gateways to Tunisia.” Under TAV management, Monastir Habib Bourguiba and Enfidha–Hammamet Airports will constitute two attractive complementary points for air travelers to and through Tunisia for the excellent services provided by their operating company and the outstanding performance and expertise of all their staff. About TAV Airports TAV Airports is the leading airport operator in Turkey as well as one of the major players in world airport construction and operations. TAV Airports operates Istanbul Atatürk Airport (one of the busiest airports in Europe), Ankara Esenboga Airport, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and Antalya Gazipasa Airport in Turkey, the Tbilisi and Batumi Airports in Georgia, Monastir and Enfidha Airports in Tunisia, as well as the Skopje and the Ohrid Airports in Macedonia. TAV Airports also has diversified businesses in other branches of airport operations; such as duty free sales, food and beverage services, ground handling services, information technologies, security and other commercial area operations. TAV Airports serves 420 thousand flights and 48 million passengers on average per year. TAV Airports provides an unparalleled passenger experience through its subsidiaries which strive to meet every need that can be expected from an airport. There is no room for error, confusion or indecision in airport operations, where the pace is frantic 24 hours a day. Armed with this awareness, TAV Airports Holding serves its customers with experienced and cheerful staff at every point; from the parking lot to security screening, from check-in to cafes, from duty-free shops to the boarding gates.