The FAA Prohibits Flights Departing Turkey From Entering the US
This is terrible news for Turkish Airlines, one of the Star Alliance's largest international carriers. Due to the ongoing situation in Turkey, the Federal Aviation Administration has banned all aircraft departing from Turkey from entering the United States — including planes that stop at another international airport before continuing on to the US.
Here's a statement explaining the decision from the US Embassy in Turkey:
U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that routes to Istanbul's Ataturk airport are open; however, we are still hearing reports of sporadic gunfire. Security at Ataturk airport is significantly diminished and U.S. government employees have been instructed not to attempt to travel to and from Ataturk airport. Per the Federal Aviation Administration's notice to airmen (NOTAM) dated July 15, 2016, U.S. 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.
The notice to airmen was likely issued following entirely nonexistent security at IST airport last night, in which non-screened individuals were seen walking throughout the secure area, including on the tarmac. Until the airport and all aircraft on the ground can be throughly inspected, it's impossible to declare the airport secure.
While there aren't currently any US airlines that operate service to Turkey (even with a connection), Turkish Airlines does offer service to a handful of destinations in the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The airline will not be able to operate flights to any of these destinations until the FAA restriction is lifted, which could take days, weeks or even months.
If you're currently booked on a flight operated by Turkish Airlines, or your itinerary includes flights that connect in Turkey, contact the airline that issued your ticket to discuss your options. If your flight is canceled, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Were you planning to fly from the US to Turkey soon?
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.