Turkish Airlines in the grip of the Middle East: what does this mean for Kiwi travellers?
Turkish airline under high tension
Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of travellers worldwide were left stranded when airspace over large parts of the Middle East was closed. For Turkish Airlines, the national carrier connecting Europe with Asia, this posed an unprecedented operational challenge. From Amsterdam to Istanbul, we saw delays and cancellations mounting up everywhere. Especially for Dutch passengers wanting to travel east via Istanbul, it was a gamble: will I get through?
From EuroLeague to air disasters: a multifaceted history
Turkish Airlines is not just any airline. If you follow basketball, you'll know the name from their sponsorship deal: the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague has been a household name for years. But the airline's real strength lies in its network. With Istanbul as its hub, they fly to more countries than any other airline. It is precisely this strategic location that now makes them vulnerable to regional conflicts.
For anyone who thinks flying is always safe, it's worth remembering that Turkish Airlines also has dark chapters in its history. Older aviation enthusiasts might recall Turkish Airlines Flight 981 in 1974, which crashed in France due to a cargo door failure. And closer to home, in 2009, Turkish Airlines Flight 1951 ended up in a field just before landing at Schiphol, resulting in nine fatalities. That last disaster, caused by a faulty altimeter, permanently changed the way pilots are trained worldwide. These are the scars that have made the industry stronger.
What does this mean for your trip?
The current closure of airspace over the Middle East, driven by geopolitical tensions, hits Turkish Airlines directly in the wallet. Flights to the Far East have to take detours, driving up fuel costs. Furthermore, stranded passengers need to be compensated. The damages are running into the millions, and this at a time when aviation just seemed to be recovering from the pandemic. For the Dutch traveller, this means: longer waiting times on the phone and less flexibility when rebooking. The question is whether Turkish Airlines can bounce back from this blow quickly, or if we'll see structural changes to their schedules.
Practical tips for anyone flying with Turkish Airlines soon:
- Always check the current flight status via the Turkish Airlines app.
- Book preferably with a credit card for extra protection in case of cancellations.
- Consider travel insurance that covers political unrest.
- Allow for longer transfer times at Istanbul Airport.
The future of Turkish Airlines
What does this crisis teach us? That aviation remains a vulnerable sector, dependent on the whims of world politics. Turkish Airlines will need to invest in even more flexible planning and better communication with passengers. For the traveller, the advice is: stay alert and be prepared for the unexpected. The coming months will show whether Turkish Airlines can uphold its reputation as a reliable bridge between East and West.
As a frequent flyer, I hope calm returns to the Middle East quickly. Until then, for everyone – from business people to holidaymakers – it's a matter of patience and flexibility. And let's not forget: behind every cancelled flight lies a story of safety and human considerations. Precisely the reason why, after disasters like flights 981 and 1951, we can still take off with confidence.