Terrorist attack at IST airport

[SimonD]

Istanbul Ataturk airport attack: At least 10 reported dead - BBC News

Turkey airport attack: Explosions, gunfire as two suspects blow themselves up at Ataturk airport in Istanbul

Istanbul airport explosions: 10 dead, Justice minister says - CNN.com

Fom the information so far, it looks like the attack was stopped on the perimeter of the airport and has greatly limited causalties.

 

[love_the_life]

Latest reports are up to 28 deaths. Tragic.

 

[Pushka]

Just awful.

 

[RooFlyer]

On my recent visit to IST, there was a security checkpoint on the road in. It was entirely cursory - they appeared to look at the passengers (me, an Anglo, with a driver) and waived us on. Then there is security (walk-through detector, luggage through x-ray) at the entrance of the terminal. By the sound of it, this is where the attack happened.

I still support visiting Turkey, but this will obviously change things for some.

 

[juddles]

....I still support visiting Turkey, but this will obviously change things for some.

I agree. It will no doubt dissuade many, and understandably so, as it "feels" to me that this sort of thing will be ongoing in Turkey. But I would still go through there - statistics, as usual, would be on my side.

 

[Buzzard]

I would still travel to Istanbul. Easy to say though as I'm not actually going there.

 

[Andyzx]

Update per SMH

Istanbul: Three explosions hit Istanbul's main international airport on Tuesday, killing nearly 50 people and injuring more than 100, in what appeared to be the latest in a string of attacks in Turkey's biggest city this year.The blasts hit Istanbul Ataturk, Turkey's largest airport and a major transport hub for international travellers. Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots. The city's governor said three suicide bombers carried out the attack.
Read more: Istanbul airport attack: Turkey explosions leave up to 50 dead, more than 100 injured

Very sad and looks [??] to be targeting not just the locals but tourists and other international travelers.

My thoughts go to any people effected by the tragedy

 

[JohnK]

Awful doesn't begin to describe it.

Thoughts go out to those affected.

 

[MH_fan]

What is this world coming to! I wouldn't feel safe travelling to Turkey anymore.

 

[kpc]

I spent a great 2 weeks in Turkey 10 years ago but in the current climate would not visit for the foreseeable future. Thoughts to the innocent tourists and their families caught up in this

 

[boomy]

What is this world coming to! I wouldn't feel safe travelling to Turkey anymore.

While I understand the emotional reaction I hope people won't avoid Turkey or IST airport from now on.

We should all know by now that terrorism can strike anytime, anywhere. If avoiding Turkey then mind as well avoiding the rest of Europe, the ME, USA, Africa and SE Asia. Oh and also coffee shops in Sydney...

 

[BobbyFlyer]

Myself and family due to fly from SIN to IST on LM J tickets tomorrow night....am trying to contact Turkish airlines....does anyone know what protocol is? will they rebook us on diff airline as IST looks closed for a couple days....

 

[BobbyFlyer]

Myself and family due to fly from SIN to IST on LM J tickets tomorrow night....am trying to contact Turkish airlines....does anyone know what protocol is? will they rebook us on diff airline as IST looks closed for a couple days....

Sorry should add we were transiting to VIE...

 

[pagingjoan]

Myself and family due to fly from SIN to IST on LM J tickets tomorrow night....am trying to contact Turkish airlines....does anyone know what protocol is? will they rebook us on diff airline as IST looks closed for a couple days....

Also trying to reschedule.
Text below is from the TK website. However, not surprisingly, I have spent a long time on hold using the cited number,without success. Will try a different avenue in a couple of hours when a local service should be operating.
Best of luck to you!




[h=1]Ticket changes, refunds and cancelations after Ataturk Airport incident[/h]
Dear Passengers,
Due to the incident that has taken place at Ataturk International Airport on 28 June 2016, passengers who have bookings on the flights from/to Istanbul Ataturk Airport between 28 Jun - 05 Jul 2016, provided that they submit their request until 31 Jul 2016:

1) All rebooking and rerouting will be made without any charge.
2) Refund requests:
a) Unused tickets: Refund will be made without any charge; or
b) For partially used tickets, when planned trip is not complete; the remaining flights will be refunded without any charge.
3) Extension of ticket validity:
Validity of ticket can be extended until 31 Jul 2016 (included) without any fare difference or charge.
We kindly ask our passengers to check the latest information about their flights before their trip on our web site or call center. (90 212 444 0 849)
Regards

Turkish Airlines

 

[BobbyFlyer]

Also trying to reschedule.
Text below is from the TK website. However, not surprisingly, I have spent a long time on hold using the cited number,without success. Will try a different avenue in a couple of hours when a local service should be operating.
Best of luck to you!

Thanks! Best of luck to you too. Finally got hold of operator but was unhelpful. Transferred me to their miles and more service but I hung up as I was already on phone for 40 mins. I've booked EK award flight as backup now. Hopefully all resolves itself quickly. I have return flights on TK in 3 weeks...

 

[JessicaTam]

Dreadful news.

On CNN at the moment: at least 36 dead, and 147 wounded.

 

[medhead]

On my recent visit to IST, there was a security checkpoint on the road in. It was entirely cursory - they appeared to look at the passengers (me, an Anglo, with a driver) and waived us on. Then there is security (walk-through detector, luggage through x-ray) at the entrance of the terminal. By the sound of it, this is where the attack happened.

I still support visiting Turkey, but this will obviously change things for some.

some of the TV footage appeared to be inside.

 

[RooFlyer]

Myself and family due to fly from SIN to IST on LM J tickets tomorrow night....am trying to contact Turkish airlines....does anyone know what protocol is? will they rebook us on diff airline as IST looks closed for a couple days....

Istanbul's second airport Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) appears to be open and functioning. Its mainly a LCC airport, but has plenty of larger airline movements. My arrival on QR from DOH was through SAW

some of the TV footage appeared to be inside.

The terminal entrance security I went through was immediately inside the entrance to the terminal.


Without being too wise after the event, I was surprised at the laxity of security at both SAW and IST when I was there a few weeks ago. Sure, guys carrying large guns in evidence, but people looking at the x-ray screens generally inattentive and the security on the approach road very cursory. As we know, a determined attacker will get through to a passenger dense area no matter what if they are determined enough, but with the security situation in Turkey in general before today, I thought at the time that things seemed a bit slack.

 

[medhead]

The terminal entrance security I went through was immediately inside the entrance to the terminal.

The footage appears to be beyond the entrance security, i.e. inside the terminal. Sorry if that wasn't clear from my comment.

 

[Archphoto]

I find it interesting that it hasn't rated very high at all on my Social Media feeds (compared to the Brussels Airport bombing). News reports sure, but individual posts from friends around the world nada.

I guess Turkey doesn't rate as highly compared to the rest of Europe when it comes to attacks at airports . . . . .

My phone service here in TH though was on it right away; acknowledging the attack and showing support via all forms of their SM.