Airlines resume flights, but situation is ‘potentially volatile’

FLIGHTS to and from Turkey are returning to normal after at least 265 people were killed in an attempt to overthrow the government.

Britons were advised to stay indoors following gunfire and explosions in Ankara and Istanbul as the unrest began to unfold on Friday night.

British Airways cancelled all flights to and from the country on Saturday, but the airline said flights are now taking off again.

The Foreign Office said the security situation “remains potentially volatile”, and advised people in Ankara and Istanbul to avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and to remain vigilant. Coastal resorts do not appear to be significantly affected.

On Sunday evening a British Airways spokeswoman said flights would be operating on Monday, but added: “We recommend that customers visit ba.com to check the status of their individual flight.”

Thomson and First Choice flights to Dalaman, Antalya, Izmir and Bodrum are operating as normal.

Meanwhile, the unrest in Turkey will continue to be monitored by the British government as the country aims to restore stability, Downing Street said.

The government’s emergency Cobra committee met on Sunday morning to discuss the aftermath of the failed armed uprising.

Co-operation will be maintained with the Turkish government, while efforts to assist stranded Britons will be the main focus.