Tourists stranded in chaotic aftermath of Turkey’s attempted coup
Turkey’s attempted coup on Friday night has left tourists facing uncertainty and travel chaos as many flights in and out of the country have been canceled or diverted.
This is how Istanbul's Ataturk airport departures board looks like as of now #TurkeyCoup (@flightstats) pic.twitter.com/YFfqsG98OB
— dwnews (@dwnews) July 16, 2016
Chaos at #ataturkairport, no one here from Turkish Airlines pic.twitter.com/FDx0CJVg4X
— Silvia Stoeber (@tavisupleba) July 16, 2016
Many travelers in Turkey have been stranded after a mass of flight cancellations amid the upheaval on Friday night.
So how about Nigerians stuck in Turkey? What number should they call? Any travel advise from the foreign affairs ministry? SMH.
— Femi JACOBS 'Mr M' (@FemiJACOBS) July 16, 2016
According to Flight Radar, a limited number of flights were departing and landing at Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen early Saturday morning. Meanwhile, flights at Antalya and Izmir Adnan Menderes were experiencing delays and Ankara Esenboga had no flights departing.
Security checkpoint at Ataturk airport. Cars honking, crowd cheering pic.twitter.com/BbNV8cGAgC
— Ned Levin (@nedlevin) July 16, 2016
IST - Istanbul Ataturk
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 16, 2016
SAW - Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen
AYT - Antalya
ADB - Izmir Adnan Menderes
ESB - Ankara Esenboga https://t.co/KEBGueND2j
Any word on when those with cancelled flights can expect to fly? #turkishairlines#ataturkairport#TurkeyCoupAttempt
— Lynsey McNeill (@funsizeweegie) July 16, 2016
Eurocontrol, the European traffic control agency, reported that airport staff at Ataturk said they would start international departures on Saturday morning, but that the “situation is unclear.”
#ataturkairport seems to be getting back to normal but still many flights have been cancelled pic.twitter.com/E6X9pDlciv
— Michaela (@Michaela_inTZ) July 16, 2016
According to Gov.UK, some flights have been diverted and canceled.
Curiosa alineación de aviones a su paso por #Turquia evitando Estambul y Ankara @controladores@eurocontrolpic.twitter.com/VklAltrNNq
— asobrino (@fns_k) July 16, 2016
US gov employees have been instructed not to attempt to travel to and from Ataturk airport in #Istanbulpic.twitter.com/tfa8yOnq7j
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) July 16, 2016
US banned American airlines from flying into #Turkey, suspended all direct flights: "security at Ataturk airport significantly diminished".
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) July 16, 2016
The US Embassy in Ankara said flights to Ataturk airport are open, but warned “security at Ataturk airport is significantly diminished.”
However, US airline carriers are currently prohibited from flying to or from Istanbul or Ankara, and flights coming from Turkey or via a third country are also prohibited from entering the US. This leaves US travelers in Turkey unable to go home.
We came to Ataturk Airport and made it to gate, but have now found out all flight to US from Turkey are not flying until further notice.
— Brian deMartin (@ReflectionAngle) July 16, 2016
Passengers are experiencing confusion and uncertainty about when they will be able to return to the US.
Not bad being stuck in Turkey and getting put in a 5* hotel with free food 😍
— ♡ cam ♡ (@camorrynsweet) July 16, 2016
Anyone one stuck in the Airport in Turkey ?? A few Duty Frees wouldn't go amiss !👍👍
— paul clark (@7clarkyred) July 16, 2016
Turkish Airlines were due to resume flights at 11 am GMT on Saturday, Reuters reported. However, the airlines’ phone number appears to be down.
#turkishairlines phone number not working. Any info? #TurkeyCoupAttempt#AtaturkAirport#Turkey#istanbul#Ankara
— Andy Germak (@andygermak) July 16, 2016
Turkish airlines and Ataturk airport shame on you. Where is your crisis management strategy? We heard not a single announcement since
— sahla (@DrSahlaAroussi) July 16, 2016
British Airways have canceled all flights scheduled for Saturday. “In light of the events unfolding in Turkey, all flights have been cancelled today,” a spokesperson said. “We are keeping flights to Turkey under review. The safety and security of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority at all times.”
@British_Airways i have flight from Ataturk airport on Jul18th to Heathrow airport
— Nora (@NoraOH1) July 16, 2016
What will happen about it ? Please
Barca have been in constant contact with expedition of current and former players who are stuck in Turkey due to failed coup attempt. [md]
— Barcastuff (@barcastuff_real) July 16, 2016
Have family stuck at the airport in #Turkey sending positive energy their way #PeaceForTheWorld
— Shilla Saebi (@ShillaSaebi) July 16, 2016
Travelers who had earlier plans to head to Turkey over the coming days are now very unsure whether it is safe to do so, and are being advised by various foreign offices and tour companies to monitor the situation and contact their travel agent.
For the locals in Istanbul. Have a flight to Istanbul tomorrow. Is it safe to travel there? #TurkeyCoupAttempt#Turkey
— Kumail Ally (@AllyKumail) July 16, 2016
Indian travelers have been advised not to travel to Turkey until there is stability.
Indian nationals should not travel to Turkey until situation is normal there. @IndianEmbassyTR@mjakbar
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 16, 2016
Travel company Thomas Cook is offering free cancellations and amendments for those traveling to the country in the next few days. More than 2.5 million British visit Turkey each year. Similarly, Thompson has said it will offer refunds for people who were planning to travel to Turkey today, but that its flights will operate as normal.
As UK advice for travel to Turkey has not changed, our flights are operating as normal. For more info please see - https://t.co/Z0zXIi8x0u
— Thomson (@ThomsonHolidays) July 16, 2016
EasyJet said it has no plans to cancel flights: “We are liaising with the Turkish and British authorities.”
@TurkishAirlines how can you say all is normal? You have no staff at #AtaturkAirport and your phones don't work. #TurkeyCoupAttempt#Turkey
— Andy Germak (@andygermak) July 16, 2016
#AtaturkAirport so many flights are cancelled, waiting for announcement of ours....
— Nargiza (@Nargizasn) July 16, 2016
