Owais Crawford
The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have impacted the region's air transportation infrastructure, with several airports across the region sustaining damage and subsequently closing. Three airports in Turkey—Adana Airport (ADA), Hatay Airport (HTY), and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT)—were briefly shut down following the earthquakes. However, as of February 2023, these airports have since reopened and are operating flights as normal. Istanbul Airport, Turkey's main international airport, remained operational throughout, and there has been no significant disruption to travel to the country's major tourism destinations. While international travelers are advised against visiting the affected areas, most of Turkey's leading tourism hubs are continuing to welcome visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of airports in Turkey after the earthquake | Adana Airport (ADA), Hatay Airport (HTY) and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International (GZT) Airport were closed but have since reopened. Istanbul Airport has operated as normal. |
| Impact on flights | Turkish Airlines has cancelled hundreds of flights. |
| Safety advice for US citizens | Avoid travel to areas affected by the earthquake and, if already there, do not enter damaged buildings until Turkish authorities deem them safe. |
| Safety advice for UK citizens | Avoid travel to Syria and parts of Turkey. |
| Safety advice for international travellers | Avoid travel to affected areas but travel to unaffected and major tourism destinations is continuing as normal. |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey's main tourism destinations continue to welcome visitors
- Istanbul Airport has operated as normal since the earthquake
- Turkish Airlines allowed passengers to rebook or obtain refunds for flights to earthquake-affected areas
- Three airports—Adana, Hatay, and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International—were briefly closed after the earthquake but have since reopened
- The earthquake's consequences will likely be felt across Turkey for some time
Turkey's main tourism destinations continue to welcome visitors
Turkey is a major tourism destination, attracting 44.6 million foreign arrivals in 2022, according to Turkish government statistics. In 2021, the country's travel and tourism sector contributed $59.3 billion to its GDP. The recent earthquakes have caused around $34 billion of direct damage in Turkey. While international travellers have been advised against travelling to the affected areas, most of Turkey's leading tourism destinations continue to welcome visitors as usual.
Istanbul is undoubtedly the tourist capital of Turkey, but its real capital, Ankara, is also worth a visit. Istanbul is a city of contrasts, with a unique blend of Asian and European cultures. It is a deeply Turkish city, incomparable to other European destinations and even other Turkish cities. Both traditional and modern, Istanbul is a timeless city with a magnificent river and a vibrant, full-of-life atmosphere. The city is also one of the most important tourist spots in the world, with thousands of hotels and other tourist-oriented industries. As the historical capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul boasts a rich history and a variety of major attractions.
The captivating city of Istanbul, the fantastical rock forms of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the glimmering Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines are the biggest draws in Turkey. However, every region of the country has something distinct to offer. The diversity of landscapes, heritage, and rich culinary culture will surprise those who have never ventured beyond the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline.
Other popular destinations in Turkey include Izmir, Antalya, Bodrum, and Marmaris. Izmir is a city with historical and geopolitical importance in ancient civilizations such as Macedonia, Persia, Lydia, and the Ottomans. It is also home to many ancient cities such as Ephesus, Pergamon, and Klazomenai, as well as several coastal tourist beaches, such as Çeşme, Mordoğan, and Foça. Antalya is a prime resort city, known for its seaside resorts and the Beydağları Coastal National Park. It is also a popular destination for trekking tours. Bodrum, located in the southwest of Turkey, is a perfect destination for beach lovers, gastronomy, scuba diving, and wine. It is also home to Bodrum Castle, ranked among the most beautiful castles in Turkey. Marmaris is another popular summer tourism destination in Turkey, known for its seaside resorts.
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Istanbul Airport has operated as normal since the earthquake
On February 6, 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, claiming thousands of lives and causing severe damage to infrastructure. The earthquake was followed by a second quake measuring 7.5 in magnitude and numerous aftershocks, leading to the collapse of over 6,000 buildings. The disaster prompted a three-month state of national emergency in Turkey.
While the earthquake had a devastating impact on the region, Istanbul Airport, Turkey's main international airport, has continued to operate as normal. International airlines have maintained regular flights to and from Turkey, with no major disruptions reported. Istanbul Airport's uninterrupted operations provide a reliable gateway for travellers visiting the country, particularly those heading to unaffected tourist destinations.
It is important to note that while Istanbul Airport remains fully functional, several other airports in Turkey sustained damage and were briefly shut down in the aftermath of the earthquake. These airports, including Adana Airport (ADA), Hatay Airport (HTY), and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT), have since reopened, although some required significant repairs to ensure their safety and stability.
As Turkey recovers from the earthquake, the country's tourism sector, which contributed $59.3 billion to GDP in 2021, faces challenges. Many in the industry emphasize the importance of tourism for the country's economy, especially after the setbacks caused by the pandemic. Turkish Airlines, the country's flag carrier, is accommodating passengers by offering rebooking or refund options for flights affected by the earthquake.
Overall, Istanbul Airport's normal operations since the earthquake help maintain connectivity and facilitate travel to and within Turkey. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates and follow any guidelines provided by relevant authorities when planning their trips to affected or unaffected areas in the region.
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Turkish Airlines allowed passengers to rebook or obtain refunds for flights to earthquake-affected areas
On February 6, 2023, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Turkey and western Syria, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. The earthquake caused over 6,000 buildings to collapse and has left many travellers with questions about their upcoming trips to the country.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Turkish Airlines allowed passengers to rebook or obtain refunds for flights to earthquake-affected areas. The national flag carrier of Turkey offered this option for domestic and international flights scheduled between February 6 and March 31, 2023, as long as they were booked before February 9, 2023. The airline also set a fixed rate of 100 Turkish liras (around $5.30) for airfare into and out of the affected regions, ensuring affordability for those who needed to leave.
Istanbul Airport, Turkey's main international airport, remained operational throughout, with Turkish Airlines transporting humanitarian aid, volunteers, and search-and-rescue teams to and from the earthquake zones. The airline coordinated with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority and other competent authorities to deliver aid and evacuate citizens.
Other airlines, such as Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress Airlines, also played a significant role in providing relief flights and free transportation to and from the earthquake-affected zones. They offered free bookings for domestic direct flights to and from specific airports and allowed passengers to change or cancel their flights without charge. These initiatives ensured that travellers could adjust their plans while also facilitating the delivery of emergency aid and supplies to the affected areas.
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Three airports—Adana, Hatay, and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International—were briefly closed after the earthquake but have since reopened
The safety of Turkey's airports has been a concern following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country in February 2023. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5, respectively, caused widespread damage and affected some 10 Turkish provinces. The impact of the earthquakes was felt as far away as Greenland, according to the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes, three airports in Turkey—Adana, Hatay, and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International—were briefly closed due to sustained damage and the risk of further aftershocks. The closure of these airports was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, as well as to assess the extent of the damage.
Adana Airport (ADA) experienced disruptions, with several flights bound for the airport holding or being cancelled. Hatay Airport (HTY) suffered severe damage, with video footage showing the tarmac folded across the runway, rendering it inoperative. Repairs and safety tests were needed before it could resume operations. At Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT), passengers were seen running for safety in the baggage collection hall during the earthquake.
However, as of February 28, 2023, all three airports have since reopened. International airlines have resumed normal flight operations to and from Turkey, including to Istanbul Airport, the country's main international gateway. Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, has offered passengers the option to rebook or obtain refunds for flights to earthquake-affected areas scheduled until March 31, 2023.
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The earthquake's consequences will likely be felt across Turkey for some time
The earthquakes' consequences will likely be felt across Turkey for some time. The country is currently in a three-month state of national emergency, and while many of its leading tourism destinations continue to welcome visitors, international travellers have been advised against travelling to the affected areas.
The earthquakes have had a devastating impact, with thousands of people losing their lives and many more injured. The disaster is on record as the world's deadliest earthquake since 2010. The initial quake, which struck Turkey and Syria, was measured at 7.8 magnitude, and a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude followed soon after. The impact of the quakes, including the numerous aftershocks, has been felt as far away as Greenland.
The earthquakes have caused severe damage to the region's infrastructure, with hundreds of buildings and roads destroyed and key services such as the internet, power, and cellular networks disabled in many areas. The air transportation system has also been heavily impacted, with several major airports across the region sustaining damage and being forced to close. Turkey's Adana Airport (ADA), Hatay Airport (HTY), and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT) were all briefly shut down, and while they have since reopened, there is still potential for disruption to flights. Istanbul Airport, Turkey's main international airport, has remained operational throughout.
The earthquakes have also affected cultural attractions, with UNESCO expressing particular concern about the ancient Syrian city of Aleppo, where the Citadel of Aleppo, a large medieval palace, has been significantly damaged. In Turkey, buildings at the Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens have collapsed. The economic impact of the earthquakes is also significant, with the World Bank estimating that the quakes have caused around $34 billion of direct damage in Turkey. The country's travel and tourism sector, which contributed $59.3 billion to Turkey's GDP in 2021, is likely to be affected, with many people dependent on tourism revenues.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey is currently in a three-month state of national emergency due to the earthquake. While there is no indication that travel to Turkey’s major tourism destinations has been disrupted, international travellers have been advised against travelling to the affected areas.
Three airports in Turkey—Adana Airport (ADA), Hatay Airport (HTY), and Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport (GZT)—were briefly shut down after the earthquake but have since reopened.
Yes, Istanbul Airport, Turkey's main international airport, has continued to operate as normal.
Yes, the earthquake has badly damaged various cultural attractions in Turkey. Buildings at the Diyarbakir Fortress and Hevsel Gardens have collapsed.
The earthquake has disrupted travel to Turkey, with Turkish Airlines cancelling hundreds of flights and multiple airports sustaining damage or closing temporarily. However, international airlines have resumed flights to and from Turkey, and major tourism destinations in Turkey are welcoming visitors.
