Turkey airport grounds all flights as out of control wildfire traps tourists
No flights could land at or take off from Adnan Menderes Airport, which serves the coastal city of Izmir, for several hours
Flames rise from a forest area after a wildfire broke out in Seferihisar district, Izmir, Turkey on June 29, 2025
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images )
Turkey's Adnan Menderes Airport, serving the coastal city of Izmir, suspended all flights as firefighters tackled a wildfire that was raging out of control. No flights were able to land or take off for several hours, with the departure board showing all evening flights either suspended or cancelled.
Among these was a Sun Express Airlines flight scheduled to depart from London Stansted at 7.20pm local time (5.20pm BST) on Sunday, June 29, along with flights to Istanbul, Copenhagen, Cologne and Sofia.
Flights slowly began to resume just before 10pm local time. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The arrivals board also indicated that incoming flights were either suspended or cancelled, affecting both domestic flights within Turkey and international flights from cities including Newcastle, Brussels and Dublin, reports the Mirror.
A view of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images )
Some inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports, according to Turkiye Today.
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Officials have stated that normal operations are expected to resume once the fire is under control.
The blaze erupted on the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts of Izmir, with photographs from the scene showing towering flames as the fire spreads.
Firefighters battled the inferno from both the air and ground.
The forest fire that broke out on the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts of Izmir was being tackled by air and land
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images )
Firefighting teams including two planes, a helicopter, three water tankers, and a water supply vehicle from the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry were mobilised to tackle the blaze. The municipal fire brigade also joined the effort.
The origin of the fire is yet to be determined.
Turkish media are reporting that 455 families were forced to flee their homes this weekend after another wildfire erupted on the edge of Izmir, spreading rapidly towards the forest. Additional fires earlier in the week caused travel disruptions, evacuations, and sparked a comprehensive emergency response.
The General Directorate of Forestry has reported at least eight significant fires across Turkey between June 24 and June 25, many attributed to agricultural practices, improper rubbish disposal, or other man-made factors.
Reports indicate that the most severe fire ignited at half-past twelve on June 25 in the forested reaches of Izmir's Aliağa district. Propelled by strong winds, the flames advanced menacingly towards inhabited areas.
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An airport representative announced: "Due to the forest fire in Izmir's Gaziemir district and adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport was temporarily closed to air traffic as of 16:00 local time.
"Some incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports during the closure. Following the NOTAM [meaning notice to airmen], the runway has re-opened and the first flight, PC 1864 to Ercan, has successfully departed at 21:50 local time. Flight operations are gradually returning to normal."
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