News

Terrorist attack at Istanbul airport

28 Jun 2016 by Tom Otley

There has been a terrorist attack at Istanbul's main airport, Ataturk.

Bombs were detonated at the drop-off area and in the X-ray machines at security. There were three attackers with guns and bombs. Social media shows shots being fired and at least one terrorist activiating a suicide belt.

The death toll is being put at 43 at the moment.

Incoming flights were being diverted, with many departing flights cancelled until Wednesday afternoon (Istanbul time). The airport has now reopened, although it's not clear if all flights are operating.

Turkish Airlines has posted the following:

"Ticket changes, refunds and cancelations after Ataturk Airport incident
Dear Passengers,
Due to the incident that has taken place at Ataturk International Airport on 28 June 2016, passengers who have bookings on the flights from/to Istanbul Ataturk Airport between 28 Jun - 05 Jul 2016, provided that they submit their request until 31 Jul 2016:

1) All rebooking and rerouting will be made without any charge.
2) Refund requests :
a) Unused tickets: Refund will be made without any charge; or

b) For partially used tickets, when planned trip is not complete; the remaining flights will be refunded without any charge.
3) Extension of ticket validity: Validity of ticket can be extended until 31 Jul 2016 (included) without any fare difference or charge.

We kindly ask our passengers to check the latest information about their flights before their trip on our web site or call center. (90 212 444 0 849)

Regards

Turkish Airlines"

Istanbul-Atatürk Airport, operated by TAV Airports Holding, is currently the third busiest airport in Europe and the bigger of two airports serving the city of Istanbul.

The second airport is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport which was also subject to an attack last year. A third airport is currently under construction.

A spokesperson for ABTA said:

“Following an attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, travellers in Istanbul are advised to follow the advice of the local authorities and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The Foreign Office currently advises that British tourists visiting Turkey should be alert to their surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places.

“People due to travel should speak to their travel company or airline for information about travel to and from Istanbul. Flights to and from Ataturk International Airport are resuming gradually.

“The vast majority of British holidaymakers will visit the beach resorts on Turkey’s south coast which are hundreds of miles away from Istanbul. Following incidents earlier this year, Istanbul’s popularity as a city break destination has declined and there will be small numbers of British nationals in the city at this time.”

ataturkairport.com

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