News / UPDATE: FAA repeals ban on flights between US and Turkey

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UPDATE: 19/7/16 The FAA has lifted all restrictions on flights between the US and Turkey, after being reassured of the country’s ability to ensure security, reports ATW.

In what will be a huge blow for Turkish Airlines, all flights between Turkey and the US have been suspended until further notice. US carriers are also no longer allowed to operate in airports in Istanbul or Ankara, following the failed coup attempt at the weekend.

The FAA, which administered the ban, believes that security at Turkey’s airports has become vulnerable and weaker after the coup. Other airlines and services are now operating normally, however, with no significant impact on logistics.

None of the major US airlines operate into Turkey, but UPS appears to operate a route from Newark to Istanbul. Turkish Airlines operates some 10 or so flights a day into the US.

While cargo is not mentioned specifically, it appears to be covered by the ban. The US Embassy in Ankara stated: “Per the Federal Aviation Administration’s notice to airmen (NOTAM) dated July 15, 2016, US airline carriers are prohibited from flying to or from Istanbul and Ankara airports.  All airline carriers, regardless of country of registry, are prohibited from flying into the United States from Turkey either directly or via third country.”

Passengers – and likely cargo – must be security screened again in a third country before onward travel to the US.

Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport processes 47% of Turkey’s air cargo. Antalya Airport sees 29% of air freight pass through it with while another Istanbul airport, Sabina Gocken, handles 9%.

Turkey was the United States’ 41st largest supplier of goods imports in 2013, and US goods imports from Turkey totaled $6.7bin 2013, up 6% from 2012, and up 76% from 2003.

The ban will be reviewed no later than August 15.