Mar 4, 2020, 11:15 pm
Last edit by: ISTFlyer
As 7 November 2020, The options if your travel is affected and the informations about refunds parts are moved to the new guide thread specific to the topic.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish-airlines-miles-smiles/2028156-guide-thread-cv-19-ticketing-changes-rebooking-cancellation-open-ticket-options.html
PLEASE LOOK AT THIS LINK TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT SALES OFFICES AND TK HOTLINE NUMBERS.
Up to date info on TK cancellations and refund/re-booking conditions: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-be/announcements/coronavirus-outbreak/
This thread would continue to provide information about potential border closures, major schedule changes, and any restrictions on TK flights in the future.
Given the fast moving situation please check the TK website. Information in this thread is just guidance and may not be complete or already outdated.
The current situation is stressful and worrying for many of us, please remain friendly and calm. FT members can only give suggestions, they are not representatives of Turkish Airlines.
CURRENT SITUATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS RELATED RESTRICTIONS
TK and AnadoluJet have resumed domestic flights on 1 June 2020. Almost all domestic routes have been resumed with reduced frequencies.
TK and AnadoluJet have resumed international flights on 11 June 2020. Please consider the short-haul operations and long-haul operations threads for more details on operating routes.
* Be aware that restrictions may change at any time. Please keep in touch with the information of missions in Turkey and information on the Turkish Airlines website if you're planning to travel in the upcoming days/weeks.
Currently there are no restrictions to enter Turkey or to transfer at Turkey. There is also no COVID test requirement for both entering Turkey and transit ( unless you are departing from Pakistan or your arrival country asks for one ) and no quarantine upon entering Turkey.
Some countries have not opened their airports for passenger flights from/to Turkey so Turkish Airlines is not operating to all of their destinations. More information could be found in the respective threads.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish-airlines-miles-smiles/2028156-guide-thread-cv-19-ticketing-changes-rebooking-cancellation-open-ticket-options.html
PLEASE LOOK AT THIS LINK TO FIND INFORMATION ABOUT SALES OFFICES AND TK HOTLINE NUMBERS.
Up to date info on TK cancellations and refund/re-booking conditions: https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-be/announcements/coronavirus-outbreak/
This thread would continue to provide information about potential border closures, major schedule changes, and any restrictions on TK flights in the future.
Given the fast moving situation please check the TK website. Information in this thread is just guidance and may not be complete or already outdated.
The current situation is stressful and worrying for many of us, please remain friendly and calm. FT members can only give suggestions, they are not representatives of Turkish Airlines.
CURRENT SITUATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS RELATED RESTRICTIONS
TK and AnadoluJet have resumed domestic flights on 1 June 2020. Almost all domestic routes have been resumed with reduced frequencies.
TK and AnadoluJet have resumed international flights on 11 June 2020. Please consider the short-haul operations and long-haul operations threads for more details on operating routes.
* Be aware that restrictions may change at any time. Please keep in touch with the information of missions in Turkey and information on the Turkish Airlines website if you're planning to travel in the upcoming days/weeks.
Currently there are no restrictions to enter Turkey or to transfer at Turkey. There is also no COVID test requirement for both entering Turkey and transit ( unless you are departing from Pakistan or your arrival country asks for one ) and no quarantine upon entering Turkey.
Some countries have not opened their airports for passenger flights from/to Turkey so Turkish Airlines is not operating to all of their destinations. More information could be found in the respective threads.
Coronavirus: Flight cancellations and entry restrictions
May 14, 2020, 8:15 am
#407
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Turkish Airlines Chairman of Board Mr. İlker Aycı has answered some questions of Nagehan Alçı ( journalist at Habertürk newspaper )
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
May 14, 2020, 9:32 am
#408
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver, VS Red, HH Gold, IHG Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG Basic, Alitalia Status Match
Posts: 1,173
. I love the TK lounge food offerings. One of the greatest places on earth...
May 14, 2020, 11:20 am
#409
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Europe/SEA
Programs: TK E+, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Dusit Gold
Posts: 1,714
Turkish Airlines Chairman of Board Mr. İlker Aycı has answered some questions of Nagehan Alçı ( journalist at Habertürk newspaper )
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
May 14, 2020, 7:34 pm
#410
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan, TD.
Posts: 467
Turkish Airlines Chairman of Board Mr. İlker Aycı has answered some questions of Nagehan Alçı ( journalist at Habertürk newspaper )
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
https://www.haberturk.com/yazarlar/n...lere-ne-olacak - Only in Turkish
However, some data points are that;
- A committee including the authorities from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, the Coronavirus committee would make a decision on flights.
- The miles option on refunds would not continue when things start to get normal.
- The future of Miles&Smiles miles, expiry, usage, etc... are not precise yet. A decision would be made when things start to get normal.
- A new concept is thought for the lounges. He mentioned that self-service buffets would be removed for a while. He told that the old variety of food would not be available at lounges.
May 14, 2020, 7:50 pm
#411
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
May 14, 2020, 11:06 pm
#412
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
UPDATE as 15 May 05:05 GMT
- Still all ( most ) TK flights are available for booking for dates after 28 May and there are less than 15 days. I have no idea what TK is thinking when there is a factor as a duty of care and alternative routing for cancellations less than 15 days on ex-EU flights.
- The domestic flight schedule for 28 May and onwards has not changed yet, the original schedule is over there. I am pretty sure that there would not be x10+ daily flights to Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, and Bodrum when flights resume.
- TK might have wanted to wait until the cabinet meeting this Monday ( 18 May ) which would be followed by a public speech from President Erdoğan. There might be important information announced about the inter-city travel ban and when flights and high-speed rail would be able to resume.
- There are rumors that Turkey would not open their borders for commercial travel and scheduled flights until 15 June. Pegasus Airlines has already cancelled all international flights up to this date and most foreign airlines have already removed Turkish cities from their June schedule.
We'll all see what would happen.
- Still all ( most ) TK flights are available for booking for dates after 28 May and there are less than 15 days. I have no idea what TK is thinking when there is a factor as a duty of care and alternative routing for cancellations less than 15 days on ex-EU flights.
- The domestic flight schedule for 28 May and onwards has not changed yet, the original schedule is over there. I am pretty sure that there would not be x10+ daily flights to Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, and Bodrum when flights resume.
- TK might have wanted to wait until the cabinet meeting this Monday ( 18 May ) which would be followed by a public speech from President Erdoğan. There might be important information announced about the inter-city travel ban and when flights and high-speed rail would be able to resume.
- There are rumors that Turkey would not open their borders for commercial travel and scheduled flights until 15 June. Pegasus Airlines has already cancelled all international flights up to this date and most foreign airlines have already removed Turkish cities from their June schedule.
We'll all see what would happen.
May 15, 2020, 6:28 pm
#413
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
UPDATE as 16 May 00:15 GMT
- Pegasus Airlines has released their June schedule with reduced domestic and international flights. My domestic flights in the first week of June with PC have been cancelled and those flights are not available for sale. However, to cancel it or change it to a more expensive date, I am still awaiting the cancellation e-mail.
- So, if Pegasus is ready to start on 28 May, this means that TK, AnadoluJet, and SunExpress would also resume their flights but still, there is no information on the reduced schedule.
- Pegasus Airlines has released their June schedule with reduced domestic and international flights. My domestic flights in the first week of June with PC have been cancelled and those flights are not available for sale. However, to cancel it or change it to a more expensive date, I am still awaiting the cancellation e-mail.
- So, if Pegasus is ready to start on 28 May, this means that TK, AnadoluJet, and SunExpress would also resume their flights but still, there is no information on the reduced schedule.
May 16, 2020, 2:57 pm
#414
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3*Gold, Air Canada Aeroplan
Posts: 37
I got a message from Turkish Airlines after filing feedback about my refund: "We reviewed your ticket at your request and found that your ticket has been converted to EMD." What does that mean in practical terms?
May 16, 2020, 3:01 pm
#415
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
2 months after the flight restrictions end, you would be able to get your money back with that EMD ( either cash at a sales office, either transferred to your bank account )
May 17, 2020, 1:25 pm
#416
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 727
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-t...elled-flights/
Dear passengers,
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all international flights have been suspended until June 01, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all domestic flights have been suspended until May 28, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Best Regards,
Suspended flights due to coronavirus
Last update: May 17, 2020Dear passengers,
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all international flights have been suspended until June 01, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all domestic flights have been suspended until May 28, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Best Regards,
May 17, 2020, 7:46 pm
#417
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-t...elled-flights/
Dear passengers,
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all international flights have been suspended until June 01, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all domestic flights have been suspended until May 28, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Best Regards,
Suspended flights due to coronavirus
Last update: May 17, 2020Dear passengers,
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all international flights have been suspended until June 01, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In accordance with decisions taken by the official authorities, all domestic flights have been suspended until May 28, 2020 in order to protect public health against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Best Regards,
Probably, we would have more details as the cabinet meeting ends tomorrow. I also expect the SHGM ( Civil Aviation Directorate ) to release new entry/exit restrictions for the country this week.
Also, Turkey would start accepting people for health tourism in June. These arrivals would only be accepted at Istanbul Airport ( IST ) and Ankara Esenboğa Airport ( ESB ) as there would be testing areas ( PCR tests ) over there ( +2 land borders ), so I also assume this as a signal that for an unknown time period, ex-AYT and ex-SAW international flights would not be available.
The Ministry of Health has released a statement regarding flights dedicated to health tourism but it's unclear if these passengers would be allowed on scheduled flights or there would be special charter flights dedicated to these people. There are some small details like: it's advised that food should not be served on flights shorter than 4h, the last two rows of the aircraft should remain empty, for flights dedicated to health tourism.
May 17, 2020, 9:53 pm
#418
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
This is what I shared at the Istanbul Airport Master Thread in the Europe forum
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32384244-post228.html
Simply,
Masks would be required to wear for every passenger inside the terminal.
All foreigners ( non-Turkish ) citizens would need to have health insurance valid in Turkey.
PCR test would be conducted for all international arrivals. If tested positive, you would be transferred to a hospital for further checks.
No meeters/greeters allowed inside the terminal
Food vendors would open with the observance of social distancing.
etc...
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32384244-post228.html
Simply,
Masks would be required to wear for every passenger inside the terminal.
All foreigners ( non-Turkish ) citizens would need to have health insurance valid in Turkey.
PCR test would be conducted for all international arrivals. If tested positive, you would be transferred to a hospital for further checks.
No meeters/greeters allowed inside the terminal
Food vendors would open with the observance of social distancing.
etc...
May 18, 2020, 12:36 pm
#419
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
UPDATE as 18 MAY 18:35 GMT
- According to President Erdoğan's speech and the cabinet decision today, the inter-city travel within 16 cities in Turkey ( including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir ) is extended until 3 June 2020 GMT +3
- This means that flights are unlikely to resume on 28 May 2020. Further delays on the resumption of flights are highly possible.
- According to President Erdoğan's speech and the cabinet decision today, the inter-city travel within 16 cities in Turkey ( including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir ) is extended until 3 June 2020 GMT +3
- This means that flights are unlikely to resume on 28 May 2020. Further delays on the resumption of flights are highly possible.