TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Things travelers should pay attention to following Istanbul airport attack
Planning to go to Turkey these holidays? Consider this advice to help you make a decision about upcoming travel to the country.
Change Size
Turkey is safe for travel but visitors should be extra cautious at popular tourist sites, according to the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office. (Shutterstock/-)
J
ust three months after terrorist attacks in Brussels, a recent suicide bombing at Europe’s third busiest airport, Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, killed 42 people and injured 238. The airport suspended all flights until 5 a.m. on Wednesday, but operations seem to be resuming gradually.
Planning to go to Turkey these holidays? Consider this advice to help you make a decision about upcoming travel to the country.
Security in the country
Six attacks have happened in Turkey in 2016, but in response to the recent bombing at Ataturk Airport, several countries have issued travel warnings for the country.
(Read also: Tips for staying safe while traveling overseas this summer)
The US Department of State has warned citizens to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey due to increased threats from terrorist groups. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said attacks in Turkey would most likely target the Turkish state, civilians and demonstrations, although some may also target interests and tourists from Western countries, particularly in major cities, as was the case in Istanbul on Jan. 12 and March 19.
The FCO says Turkey is safe for travel but visitors should be extra cautious at popular tourist sites. It also advised holidaymakers not to visit areas within 10 kilometers of the border with Syria or the city of Diyarbakir and the areas of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis and Hatay provinces as well as Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari.
“To date, most attacks in Turkey have taken place in the south and east part of the country and in Ankara and Istanbul. There is a heightened risk of terrorist attack against the aviation industry in Turkey,” the FCO said in an official statement.
Canceling trips
Nick Trend, a consumer expert from Telegraph Travel, has warned about cancellation charges for travelers who want to cancel a prebooked holiday to Turkey. Independent travelers may have no protections, apart from those who booked through a travel agent. If you’re not sure, refer to your insurance policy before canceling anything.
Airport safety
Passengers traveling through Turkey’s main airport must pass layers of security, said Simon Calder, travel correspondent for the Independent.
“In common with other Turkish airports, the second check is at the airport door. No one is allowed into the check-in area without passing through a checkpoint where papers, people and baggage are screened. That applies equally to passengers arriving at the airport on the Metro,” wrote Calder on the Independent.
(Read also: Turkey sinks Airbus jet to attract tourists)
The Indonesian Embassy has opened a hotline on +905319831534 for those in need of assistance or further information. Family members in Indonesia trying to get hold of relatives in Turkey can call +6281290070027. (kes)
