Planes diverted to Istanbul amid Iran’s strikes on Israel
Airplanes of Turkish Airlines sit on a tarmac, during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Istanbul Airport, Türkiye March 29, 2020. (Reuters Photo)
Due to Iran’s increased attacks on Israel and the resulting airspace closures, 20 aircraft experienced fuel shortages and were forced to land at Istanbul Airport.
Both domestic and international airlines are facing disruptions on their Middle Eastern routes due to security concerns and restricted airspace following Iran’s military actions against Israel.
Several planes, which were left circling and reached critical fuel levels, were diverted primarily to Istanbul Airport, with some redirected to Antalya and Ankara. A total of 20 planes, initially bound for the Middle East, were forced to make emergency landings at Istanbul Airport.
Iran’s missile attack
Iran launched a retaliatory strike in response to Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon.
The Israeli military announced that missiles had been fired from Iran, prompting civilians to take shelter in bomb shelters. According to Israeli army radio, nearly 200 missiles were launched from Iran.
