Is it safe to travel to Türkiye? Latest advice as wildfires lead to evacuations and cancelled flights
However, exactly one year after we reported on the region being ravaged by wildfires in 2024, more fires broke out on Sunday June 29 and are yet to be contained, with 50,000 people having been evacuated.
If you have a trip booked to Türkiye, this is obviously worrying news. So, read on for everything you need to know about travelling to the country amidst the continuing wildfires, and whether you could be entitled to some compensation.
Where are the wildfires in Türkiye?
Türkiye's western region of İzmir, which is popular with tourists, has been ravaged by wildfires since Sunday June 29. The fires broke out and spread due to strong, dry winds which reached up to 75 mph. Kuyucak and Doganbey are two areas particularly affected.
Is it safe to travel?
AFAD, Türkiye's emergency management authority, has said that 50,000 people have been evacuated because of the blaze, and a little over 42,000 of these were from Seferihisar in İzmir. It has also said 350 personnel are helping combat the fires, with support from the Turkish Red Cross.
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport had to close temporarily on Monday June 30, with the departure boards showing that all flights had been suspended as of 4pm local time. Services have since resumed, but travellers are being encouraged to check their flight status before leaving home.
According to Manchester Evening News, around 80 people have been given hospital treatment due to the fires, but thankfully no fatalities have been reported.
If you have a trip booked to the region in the next few days, your best bet would be to contact your travel provider directly for all the latest information on whether your accommodation might be affected by the evacuations.
Travel to other destinations in Türkiye like Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia and Istanbul is safe.
What started the fires in Türkiye?
Western Europe is currently engulfed in a 'heat dome' (when high pressure traps hot air), and it's been compounded by hot air from North Africa and worsened by pollution.
According to the Mayor of İzmir, Dr Cemil Tugay, the majority of fires in the region were started by 'human hands', but the extremely dry conditions and strong winds whipping through the region have helped the fire to spread.
'We are simultaneously battling numerous fires breaking out all across our beautiful İzmir. In collaboration with relevant institutions, our Fire Department, along with heavy machinery, tankers, and all field personnel, is on high alert,' said Tugay.
'A small act of negligence is enough to burn down an entire forest, thousands of creatures living within it, and our homes. Please, let us be extremely careful from now on. Especially in hot weather, let us steer clear of any activities that could cause a fire.'
What's the latest UK Foreign Office advice?
The FCDO has not updated its travel advice in light of the wildfires, but the safety and security page has a section which reads: 'Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities. If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112.'
Can I get a refund if I choose not to travel because of wildfires?
Because the FCDO has not issued advice against travelling to Türkiye because of the fires, you won't automatically be entitled to a refund if you decide not to travel. Contract your travel provider directly to see what can be done.
As for flights, UK travellers are covered by the law if you depart from a UK airport, arrive at a UK airport on a UK or EU airline, or arrive at an EU airport on a UK airline. What this means is that your airline must provide you with assistance if your flight is cancelled, such as with food vouchers or overnight accommodation. This isn't always possible with big disasters as resources can be overstretched, but you can cover yourself and then claim compensation later (but keep all of your receipts!). The Civil Aviation Authority says all these things must be covered until you can reach your destination.
However, according to the Independent this isn't necessarily the case if the cancellation wasn't the airline's fault, such as with natural disasters, so check directly with your transport provider.
What started the fires in Türkiye in 2024?
Dry weather and extremely hot temperatures from mid-June until early July 2024 saw similar regions affected by wildfires.
Where else in Europe has been affected by wildfires?
Europe is suffering a serious heatwave right now, with destinations such as Italy, Spain, France, and Croatia being scorched by extremely high temperatures. However, Türkiye is the only country experiencing wildfires right now. If you're travelling to the region, keep an eye on local media for the best precautions to take, and read our guide to the heatwave here.
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