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Watch: Planes Take Direct Hit as Tornado Rips Through Major Turkish Airport

Jan. 27, 2019
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3 min read
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Watch: Planes Take Direct Hit as Tornado Rips Through Major Turkish Airport
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Parts of southern Europe and the Mediterranean were affected by two separate storm systems late last week. The storm systems brought with them heavy rain, strong winds and even a few tornadoes. And one tornado took direct aim at one of the largest airports in Turkey, Antalya Airport (AYT). Multiple videos taken at the airport show the tornado touching down, tracking across the busy airfield. Various sources are reporting that the tornado damaged aircraft, ground equipment and injured 12 passengers waiting to board an aircraft via airstairs.

The following video was uploaded to YouTube by flying high 737. The video was taken from inside the passenger terminal at Antalya Airport. A thin funnel cloud can be seen extending down from ominous looking clouds. Eventually, the funnel cloud touches down, whipping up debris and moving parked aircraft as it tracks across the airport.

Antalya Airport, located in southwestern Turkey, is by no means a small airport, serving more than 25 million passengers annually. The tornado touched down at the airport in the morning hours on Saturday. Numerous departing flights were canceled while others were delayed more than 10 hours in the wake of the storm. Some arriving flights were delayed more than an hour following instructions to remain in a holding pattern near the airport as the storm passed through the region.

A SunExpress flight was required to circle the airport as storms took direct aim at the Turkish city. (Image via Flightradar24)

While the majority of the airport's operations were merely delayed, various sources are reporting that the tornado resulted in a dozen minor injuries. Twelve passengers waiting to board their flight were injured when the tornado took direct aim at their bus as it sat on the ramp. Additionally, two narrow-body passenger jets were damaged by the storm, according to AirLive.net. An Airbus A321 belonging to Onur Air and a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating for Corendon Airlines were damaged as the tornado tore through the airport.

Tornadic storms in the region are rare and typically do not cause damage. However, local sources have confirmed that hundreds of structures were damaged and two were killed as a result of Saturday's severe weather. As of midday Sunday, the airport is still experiencing delays, though the delays are not said to be related to Saturday's storm.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.