Istanbul Atatürk Airport
Imagery ©2016 TerraMetrics. Map data ©2016 courtesy of Google Maps.

Breaking News: Explosions and Gunfire at Airport in Turkey

M ultiple people have been wounded as a result of a minimum of two explosions and gunfire — supposedly directed from a parking lot at the airport, although video footage purports to show people running for cover inside the terminal building — which have been reported at Istanbul Atatürk Airport.

Explosions and Gunfire at Airport in Turkey

Taxi cabs were reportedly transporting the injured people away from the airport, according to multiple news sources. The airport was temporarily closed; but flights — both arrivals and departures — have started to resume operations.

At least ten fatalities have been reported as the result of what appears to be a suicide bombing by two people at the airport; with at least 20 people injured.

Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main international airport which serves the greater Istanbul metropolitan area; and it is the third busiest airport in Europe — surpassed only by Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom and Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.

Reminiscent of Zaventem Airport in Brussels?

Two explosions occurred in the departures area of the main terminal at Zaventem Airport — which serves the greater Brussels metropolitan area — shortly after 8:00 in the morning local time on Tuesday, March 22, 2016; and the Maalbeek subway station of the Brussels Metro was affected an explosion approximately one hour later. 35 people — including three suspects — were killed; and greater than 300 people were injured in that attack.

Summary

The State Department of the United States had updated this warning pertaining to travel to Turkey only yesterday; and I will not be surprised if this warning is updated again as a result of the latest incident in Turkey.

Bomb attacks in recent months in Turkey have been linked to Kurdish rebel groups and separatists or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorist organization.

Additional details have yet to be revealed pertaining to this attack; but in the meantime, FlyerTalk members are already discussing this incident here

…but in the meantime, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and friends…

Imagery ©2016 TerraMetrics. Map data ©2016 courtesy of Google Maps.

  1. We just flew through IST on the 27th in route to AMS. Have the same return flight back to the US on July 5th (arriving late in IST on the 4th). Flights were booked through ANA in business class. Any thoughts on getting routed through another alliance partner? Saw that Austrian has business class available back to ORD but their charges are even more expensive than Turkish airlines. Would you suggest working directly with ANA or Turkish airlines? With limited access to Internet and even less access to phone, it has made the situation even more challenging. With all that said, we feel fortunate to be safe and our hearts go out to those impacted. As you could imagine, we have a lot of concerned family back in the states.

    1. As your original flight is with ANA, Greg, I would start working with that airline first. As a member of Star Alliance, they should be able to handle what needs to be done; and if they cannot do so, they should be able to direct you to a different airline. Due to the extenuating circumstances, at least one of those airlines should be able to work with you without paying extra.

      Most importantly, I am thankful that you and your travel companion — or companions — are safe.

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