Delta has suspended plans to launch flights between New York JFK and Istanbul.
In a statement the US carrier said:
"Due to increased security concerns in Turkey, including a travel warning issued by the State Department, and weaker demand for air travel to this market, Delta has taken the decision to suspend its New York-JFK-Istanbul service due to start in May 2016."
The new follows Iberia's decision to suspend services to Istanbul, citing a "steep decline in demand" (see news April 18).
There have been several terrorist attacks in the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul this year, and earlier this month the US embassy warned of "credible threats to tourist areas, in particular to public squares and docks in Istanbul and Antalya".
Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice for Turkey currently states that:
"Attacks are likely to target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations. Nevertheless, it’s increasingly likely that some attacks will also target western interests and tourism, as they did in Istanbul on 12 January and 19 March 2016.
"To date most attacks in Turkey have taken place in the south and east of the country and in Ankara and Istanbul."
However the FCO also advises that "Over 2,500,000 British nationals visit Turkey every year. It’s generally safe to travel but you should take additional safety precautions. You should be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with tourists."
Turkey is currently buidling a new airport in Istanbul, which could eventually have six runways and capacity for 150 million passengers, making it one of the largest airports in the world (see news January 8).
Mark Caswell
