First security checkpoint at the entrance to Istanbul-Ataturk’s International Terminal, taken in April 2015.
This post was updated June 30, 2016 at 8:39am PT
On June 28, explosions and gunfire were reported outside the terminal building at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). We have ended our live updates, but will continue to add new relevant information as it comes through. Our thoughts are with all those affected, as well as their families and loved ones.
What we know so far:
- There were three attackers who arrived via taxi and engaged police and security forces outside of the terminal building. One detonated an explosive device outside, while the other two used the ensuing panic to get inside before detonating their own explosives.
- Security at IST is set up so that those entering the terminal building are screened and x-rayed. This is separate from the security checkpoint to access the airside gates.
- Casualties so far are 41 dead, most of whom were Turkish nationals and at least 13 foreign nationals. There were also 239 injured, half of whom have already left the hospital.
- IST has recommenced operations; flights are arriving and departing, and the check-in area is operating nominally.
- The FAA had issued a ground stop for all flights between the U.S. and Turkey, but that has sinced been lifted
- Only Turkish Airlines (TK) flies between the U.S. and Turkey, to/from IST
- Several TK bound for IST have departed from U.S. airports
- To contact the US State Department about a US national in Turkey who may be in need of assistance:
- Email Tu****************@st***.gov
- Call 1-888-407-4747 (from within the United States) or 202-501-4444 (from overseas)
- The four major U.S. cell carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon) have announced free calls from the U.S. to Turkey. Check each carrier for details.
We are posting relevant updates on our Twitter account, @AirlineReporter, or you can follow the feed below.
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Istanbul-Ataturk Airport is Turkish Airlines’ home base.
