Turkey resumes domestic flights from today

Domestic flights in Turkey resumed today. The first connections provided direct flights from Istanbul Airport to Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Trabzon. According to the government services to other provinces will resume gradually over the coming months.
The news saw share prices rise for the national carrier Turkish Airlines, low-cost carrier Pegasus and airport operator TAV.
The civil aviation directorate issued a set of guidelines and procedures for airport authorities with only passengers being allowed into airport terminal buildings and those without valid tickets will be denied entry in an attempt to keep crowds to a minimum.
All passengers will also be required to wear face masks at all times, social distancing will be enforced, transactions will be contactless where possible and restaurants will provide disposable items. Temperature checks will be carried out routinely, and anyone found to have a fever will be referred to a dedicated health care unit.

Turkish Airports have also been tasked with ensuring their central ventilation systems only circulate fresh air inside the venues and that they carry out individual risk assessments for each public area, including prayer rooms and children’s areas. Any operators who fail to meet these new requirements will face administrative action, which is likely to include a fine and/or suspension.