Jun 28, 2016, 1:42 pm
Last edit by: starflyergold
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Please note this thread may be moved to the Europe forum shortly
Explosions and gun fire heard at IST airport (28 June 2016)
Jun 28, 2016, 3:14 pm
#31
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Programs: Marriott LT Gold, IHG Club, Hertz Gold, Aeroplan, Avios, SkyMiles, Thrifty, AMEX
Posts: 985
I AM scheduled to transit IST in 2 weeks, on my way to BCN on an AE ticket. Now pondering my options... I actually do have an alternative I can switch to, but then things might be calmed down then... What to do, what to do...
Jun 28, 2016, 3:35 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,956
My educated guess is that things will be up and running in a matter of hours. IST is not BRU.
Jun 28, 2016, 3:36 pm
#34
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HFA
Posts: 1,712
Horrible
BBC is now reporting at least 28 dead. Several flights still operating, many diversions. No information on TK's web site but the airport website seems to be updated with flight arrival and departure information (but not about diversions):
http://www.ataturkairport.com
My thoughts are with the victims.
Shuly
http://www.ataturkairport.com
My thoughts are with the victims.
Shuly
Jun 28, 2016, 3:44 pm
#36
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: British Airways Gold
Posts: 2,636
I'd have no issues transiting IST.
The double layer of security appears to have done its job and it looks like the attack was at the outer one before the actual terminal. Sad for the victims obviously, but it did serve its purpose of protecting the airport itself.
If I was going to Istanbul that's a different matter.
The double layer of security appears to have done its job and it looks like the attack was at the outer one before the actual terminal. Sad for the victims obviously, but it did serve its purpose of protecting the airport itself.
If I was going to Istanbul that's a different matter.
Jun 28, 2016, 3:47 pm
#37
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
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Posts: 15,521
I made a cnx. here last week. I was surprised how crowded IST was. IMO its immaterial whether (or not) it was in the protected area? As we saw in BRU earlier, these kinds of attacks are designed to intimidate locals and int'l visitors - and - disrupt the airport for days / if not weeks.
Security is up to snuff (IMO) so that is not the problem.
Security is up to snuff (IMO) so that is not the problem.
Thoughts and prayers go to the families.
Jun 28, 2016, 4:13 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
I'll transfer via IST on Monday, oh boy, I see many cancelled flights already
Now I wonder if Aeroplan will let me re-route to avoid IST without $90 fee
RIP to those victims
UPDATE
on phone with Aeroplan, they read a AC waiver to change, from 6/28 to 7/5, to avoid IST airport
Date change is allowed, but other non-IST related changes aren't "free" @@ too bad I can't lump it in
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/160628.html
so I'm changing my PRG-IST-PEK-HKG (TK) to PRG-ZRH-HKG (LX 777!)
Now I wonder if Aeroplan will let me re-route to avoid IST without $90 fee
RIP to those victims
UPDATE
on phone with Aeroplan, they read a AC waiver to change, from 6/28 to 7/5, to avoid IST airport
Date change is allowed, but other non-IST related changes aren't "free" @@ too bad I can't lump it in
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/160628.html
June 28, 2016
As a result of the events in Istanbul, Air Canada has implemented a policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than June 28, 2016 and whose itinerary includes a flight to, from or via Istanbul Airport (IST) between June 28 and July 5, 2016.
If you are scheduled to travel during the affected time period, you may contact Air Canada Reservations to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and September 30, 2016, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.
If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan, or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.
As a result of the events in Istanbul, Air Canada has implemented a policy for customers who purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than June 28, 2016 and whose itinerary includes a flight to, from or via Istanbul Airport (IST) between June 28 and July 5, 2016.
If you are scheduled to travel during the affected time period, you may contact Air Canada Reservations to change your flight, free of charge, to another date between now and September 30, 2016, subject to availability in the cabin you originally purchased. Otherwise, any fare difference will apply.
If you purchased your ticket with Aeroplan, or Air Canada Vacations, please contact them directly.
so I'm changing my PRG-IST-PEK-HKG (TK) to PRG-ZRH-HKG (LX 777!)
Last edited by jerryhung; Jun 28, 2016 at 4:51 pm
Jun 28, 2016, 4:42 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Edinburgh
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 759
Firstly RIP to all those who so tragically died in this attack and thoughts and prayers with those who are injured and their families at this time.
I am flying Turkish Airlines on Sunday - Birmingham-IST-Antalya. Are my flights likely to be affected by what has happened?
I am flying Turkish Airlines on Sunday - Birmingham-IST-Antalya. Are my flights likely to be affected by what has happened?
Jun 28, 2016, 4:50 pm
#41
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DMV
Posts: 2,092
I'd have no issues transiting IST.
The double layer of security appears to have done its job and it looks like the attack was at the outer one before the actual terminal. Sad for the victims obviously, but it did serve its purpose of protecting the airport itself.
If I was going to Istanbul that's a different matter.
The double layer of security appears to have done its job and it looks like the attack was at the outer one before the actual terminal. Sad for the victims obviously, but it did serve its purpose of protecting the airport itself.
If I was going to Istanbul that's a different matter.
Jun 28, 2016, 4:55 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,421
Such a horrific year with Paris, San Bernardino, Brussels, Orlando, and now Istanbul. (Just off the top of my head, quite sure I left some out...)
Unbelievably sad airports are a prime target. My mom and I were just there at the beginning of May, twice in the last 6 mos. So glad they have the initial security checkpoint, wonder if more airports will institute that measure. Can't imagine being there today - wonder if any FTers are?
Unbelievably sad airports are a prime target. My mom and I were just there at the beginning of May, twice in the last 6 mos. So glad they have the initial security checkpoint, wonder if more airports will institute that measure. Can't imagine being there today - wonder if any FTers are?
But Istanbul is now different. People keep getting attacked and, sadly, tourists seem to be one of the major targets. There's little reason to believe these attacks can be stopped anytime soon. Obviously, the risk of being in a terror attack in Istanbul is still quite low, but it is materially higher than any other place tourists regularly visit. The vast majority of tourists are now going to steer clear of Turkey, which is a terrible tragedy, particularly to the people of Turkey who benefit from the tourist dollars.
Jun 28, 2016, 5:49 pm
#43
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: sba/bur/lax
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Posts: 85
The other "terror" attacks you mention are pretty random and, sadly, not worse than a normal year. There is certainly plenty of evil in this world.
But Istanbul is now different. People keep getting attacked and, sadly, tourists seem to be one of the major targets. There's little reason to believe these attacks can be stopped anytime soon. Obviously, the risk of being in a terror attack in Istanbul is still quite low, but it is materially higher than any other place tourists regularly visit. The vast majority of tourists are now going to steer clear of Turkey, which is a terrible tragedy, particularly to the people of Turkey who benefit from the tourist dollars.
But Istanbul is now different. People keep getting attacked and, sadly, tourists seem to be one of the major targets. There's little reason to believe these attacks can be stopped anytime soon. Obviously, the risk of being in a terror attack in Istanbul is still quite low, but it is materially higher than any other place tourists regularly visit. The vast majority of tourists are now going to steer clear of Turkey, which is a terrible tragedy, particularly to the people of Turkey who benefit from the tourist dollars.
As far as targeting tourists, events seem to have really started with the Metrojet flight and only increased since then. Istanbul has been suffering all year from targeted bombings and tensions with the Russians, which is a huge source of their tourism money. What makes Istanbul so unique and incredible to visit also makes it a center affected by conflict.
Jun 28, 2016, 5:52 pm
#44
Suspended
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Posts: 1,965
I also have a flight next week so I want to know what will happen. if I booked it via a travel agent will Turkish allow me to change it with them or only with the OTA
Jun 28, 2016, 6:35 pm
#45
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
I know for my previously-booked DELTA flights via Expedia
I called Delta to change (free) after a schedule change