Turkish Airlines has launched its latest African destination with a route to Benin.

The airline says the addition of Cotonou, the west African country’s commercial centre, brings its total African destinations to 39.

Istanbul-to-Cotonou marks the 107th route for the airline voted Europe’s best for the last three years in the Skytrax awards, and brings the carrier’s total destinations worldwide to 256.

Round trips on the new route will operate four times a week Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Cotonou, Benin’s largest city and only international gateway, is located 39km from the nation’s capital Porto Novo between the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Nokoué.

Cotonou’s airport lies just 15km from the city centre and its national and international transportation links via rail and port connections.

The city is also home to several government and diplomatic services, as well as its famed cathedral and central mosque, and the Cotonou Friendship Stadium.

Other important attractions are the 20-hectare Dantokpa Market, with a daily turnover of over one billion francs, and the National University of Benin.