Turkish Airlines Shuts Down Until At Least April 20, 2020

As the spread of COVID-19 accelerates in Turkey, Turkish Airlines is temporarily shutting down operations.

Chief Executive Officer Bilal Eksi announced on Twitter that Turkish is suspending all domestic flights until April 20, 2020. International flights were already cancelled and remain suspended until May 1, 2020.

Koranavirüs salgını mücadele kapsamında 30 Büyükşehirden havayolu ile de çıkışların 15 gün süreyle geçici durdurulmasından dolayı:

✈️ İç hatlarda 14 Büyükşehire yapılan kısıtlı sayıdaki İç hat seferlerimiz 20 Nisan tarihine kadar İPTAL EDİLECEKTİR#EvdeKal #BirlikteBasaracagiz

— Bilal EKŞİ (@BilalEksiTHY) April 3, 2020

(Translation: flights cancelled)

The announcement follows a move last week by Turkish authorities to limit internal movement in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Cases and deaths from COVID-19 in Turkey are growing at a rate of 15-20% per day. 31 Turkish cities, including 14 cities Turkish still served, were placed under quarantine on Friday. Those under 20 were even banned from leaving their homes. This is on top of an order for Turkish citizens over 65 not to venture outside their homes since March 22, 2020.

Wearing a mask is also mandatory in Turkey now as well for everyone in public.

CONCLUSION

It would not surprise me to see additional total shutdowns in the days ahead as authorities continue aggressive measure to contain the virus and demand for air travel is virtually non-existent. Hopefully this suspension of operations will not have to be extended…