Residents advised to delay travel; UAE citizens advised to stay indoors in Turkey

The Emirates Airlines has announced cancellation of two of its Turkey-bound flights, EK123 and EK124, for today.

A spokesperson for the airline said that the carrier will continue to closely monitor the situation in Turkey before a decision is made regarding later flights to Ataturk International Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.

“As a result of the unsettled situation in Turkey, Emirates flights EK123 and EK124 will be cancelled today, Saturday 16th July. At this time our main priority is the safety and security of passengers and staff. We will continue to closely monitor the situation before a decision is made regarding our later flights,” the spokesperson said.

Further updates will be posted on Emirates website when available, the airline added.  Emiratis currently living in Turkey have been advised to be vigilant and stay indoor for their own safety.

Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, advised the UAE nationals in Turkey to stay in their homes and be vigilant and take caution.

The advisory has been issued in the wake of attempted coup in Turkey. Since the situation is highly fluid, the UAE nationals have been advised to be cautious and stay indoor. The UAE Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate in Istanbul appealed all the citizens of the UAE who are in Turkey to stay in their residence and avoid going out in public places.

The two government offices advised UAE residents in Turkey to communicate with the embassy and consulate for their own safety in light of the current situation of emergency in Turkey.

The UAE Embassy and consulates have issued the following telephone numbers for UAE nationals living in Turkey: Embassy 00903124901414; Consulate 00902123179257

The UAE citizens planning to travel to Turkey in the coming days have also been asked to cancel their plans temporarily. The Foreign Ministry is currently coordinating with the embassy and consular channels to help the citizens.

Source: emirates247.com