Azernews.Az

By Nigar Abbasova

Normalcy is gradually resuming at Istanbul Ataturk International airport following a failed coup attempt in the country. Regular operation of flights has been resumed at the airport on July 17, CNN reported. Majority of flights were taking off and landing without delay, with a small number of cancellations and delays.

The turmoil in Turkey has resulted in diversion of a number of airplanes as well as cancellation of hundreds of flights as Ataturk airport is considered to be one the most busiest in the world and serves as a transportation hub. Most of the airlines offered free rebookings to those wanting to alter their travel plans.

All commercial and private flights between the U.S. and Turkey were suspended on July 16. The U.S. resumed flights to Turkey on July 18 following a restriction on air travel, Anadolu reported. Turkish Airlines, Turkey's national carrier, confirmed that the ban had been lifted.

Meanwhile, Russian Aeroflot has suspended the sale and reissue of tickets to Turkey following a temporary ban issued by the Russian Federal agency, Ria Novosti reported. The company has suspended the sale and reissue of tickets to Istanbul and Antalya while the sale of tickets is open for flights from Turkey.

British Airways canceled all flights to and from Turkey on July 16, and warned that flights on July 17 may be subject to some delays.

After the military coup attempt in Turkey, a number of Ukraine’s air carriers announced about cancellation and postponement of flights to Turkey’s Istanbul on July 16. Air traffic between Ukraine and Turkey has been fully resumed, and flights are being carried out on a regular basis on July 19.

Istanbul Ataturk Airport which is considered to be one of the primary strategic objects of the country serves as one of the main transfer points on global routes.

Turkish authorities announced that coup attempt took place in the country on July 15. A group of servicemen announced about transition of power. The rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed. Over 200 people have been killed in Turkey as a result of the coup attempt. The attempted coup followed a series of bombings that hit Turkey this year, including a suicide attack in June that killed 42 people.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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