Terror attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport

[Passenger]

Press release UN WTO (World Tourism Orgnization):

UNWTO strongly condemns attack at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport

On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO strongly condemns the attack perpetrated today at the Istanbul Ataturk Airport and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the Turkish people in this difficult moment.

"On behalf of the entire international tourism community, UNWTO conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the people and the Government of Turkey” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Today we were reminded once again that we are facing a global threat that requires a firm and coordinated response by all governments and the international community”, he added.

Mr Rifai recalled that safety and security is a priority for the tourism sector and that the sector is being targeted as a pillar of the economy and livelihoods in many countries. He called upon the international tourism community to stand by Turkey in facing this challenge and recalled that at times as this “we need to cooperate and not isolate affected destinations. Turkey is a leading tourism destination and we are confident it will continue to be so; it is now time to support Turkey” he added.​

Source:
http://media.unwto.org/press-release/20 ... rk-airport

[lumumba]

And they fly again this is way more effective than Belgium...

You can blame BRU a few times, but constantly "bashing" the airport isn't going to help.

We understand that you don't like BRU and their pre-check, neither do we, but we don't have to hear that every single time in a different thread.

I had an explanation from Bralo20 and I said I understand.... No bashing here and I love Brussels Airport.
But there is nothing wrong to be critical...

[sean1982]

And they fly again this is way more effective than Belgium...

You can blame BRU a few times, but constantly "bashing" the airport isn't going to help.

We understand that you don't like BRU and their pre-check, neither do we, but we don't have to hear that every single time in a different thread.

I had an explanation from Bralo20 and I said I understand.... No bashing here and I love Brussels Airport.
But there is nothing wrong to be critical...

On this forum it depends who/what you're critical off

[sn26567]

On this forum it depends who/what you're critical off

Mind you: All views are welcome, but mainstream opinions are less likely to be criticised than controversial ones!

[sn26567]

Nine members of Turkish Ground Services lost their lives in the attack. RIP.

Nationality of the 13 foreigners who lost their lives: 5 Saudis, 2 Iraqis, 1 Tunisian, 1 Uzbek, 1 Chinese, 1 Ukrainian, 1 Jordanian.

[Conti764]

And they fly again this is way more effective than Belgium...

IST is quite a much bigger airport compared to BRU so they have room to move flights to other parts of the airport, also compared to BRU only 1 bomb detonated inside thus damage compared to BRU is more limited.

In BRU virtually the complete departure level was destroyed thus limiting the possibilities for a quick restart.

Ok I understand...

You couldn't have come up with this before writing that crap? Think a bit before replying...

A two terminal operation vs a one terminal operation.
One explosion inside vs three explosions, and that one inside causing far less damage then at BRU.
A country knowing how to handle these kind of crisisses vs a country which had it's last crisis of this seize decades ago.

Everybody has the right of an opinion. But quite frankly I'm getting fed up with all this negative bs about SN, BRU or Belgium in a whole... Go to other airports and hope AMS, CDG or DUS never get a massive power blackout, let alone a terror attack...

[Conti764]

Another blow to the Turkish tourism industry.

Unfortunately, yes...

I am leaving on saturday, for Bodrum. Secretly I was kinda hoping for a negative advice but the terror scare at Turkey seems to be concentrated around certain area's (Istanbul, Ankara, Eastern Turkey) and surprisingly not at touristic centers.

So I set aside all my thoughts and will enjoy a nice vacation. After all, nobody can guarantee I won't be shot or detonated in Brussels either.

[lumumba]

IST is quite a much bigger airport compared to BRU so they have room to move flights to other parts of the airport, also compared to BRU only 1 bomb detonated inside thus damage compared to BRU is more limited.

In BRU virtually the complete departure level was destroyed thus limiting the possibilities for a quick restart.

Ok I understand...

You couldn't have come up with this before writing that crap? Think a bit before replying...

A two terminal operation vs a one terminal operation.
One explosion inside vs three explosions, and that one inside causing far less damage then at BRU.
A country knowing how to handle these kind of crisisses vs a country which had it's last crisis of this seize decades ago.

Everybody has the right of an opinion. But quite frankly I'm getting fed up with all this negative bs about SN, BRU or Belgium in a whole... Go to other airports and hope AMS, CDG or DUS never get a massive power blackout, let alone a terror attack...

I don't need a lesson from you and don't start to be personal...
I went to IST and in my memory it was one terminal and even when it's two they did it fast.
Maybe Turkey is not a real democracy but here on Luchtzak and Belgium it is so pleas keep your crap for you...

[Conti764]

Well, you're amongst the most complaining about BRU and it's not the first time someone else has to open your eyes. Just common sense does wonders from time to time. Another detail: damage at IST is far less since the perpetrators used explosive belts while in BRU much heavier explosive bags have been used.

But hey, go on nagging about BRU while flying through CDG or DUS...

[lumumba]

Well, you're amongst the most complaining about BRU and it's not the first time someone else has to open your eyes. Just common sense does wonders from time to time. Another detail: damage at IST is far less since the perpetrators used explosive belts while in BRU much heavier explosive bags have been used.

But hey, go on nagging about BRU while flying through CDG or DUS...

I'm using BRUSSELS has airport and that's why I'm critical because it can better no bashing at all here.
I did not wanna push further on this matter but now I will.

Yes the Police did a bad job in Brussels and it's worse now.
That's my opinion is there a problem!!!

[Freken]

On this forum it depends who/what you're critical off

Thanks for this great contribution Sean, really adds another dimension to the discussion!

As for the subject, which I prefer to talk about in this topic, tourism will be hit pretty badly again in Istanbul and Turkey. Will the impact be comparable to 22/03 or even worse?

[Conti764]

Well, you're amongst the most complaining about BRU and it's not the first time someone else has to open your eyes. Just common sense does wonders from time to time. Another detail: damage at IST is far less since the perpetrators used explosive belts while in BRU much heavier explosive bags have been used.

But hey, go on nagging about BRU while flying through CDG or DUS...

I'm using BRUSSELS has airport and that's why I'm critical because it can better no bashing at all here.
I did not wanna push further on this matter but now I will.

Yes the Police did a bad job in Brussels and it's worse now.
That's my opinion is there a problem!!!

Feel free to elaborate in what way the police in Brussels did a bad job. Turkish police as well? French police as well? US police as well?

You're not just critical, you're throwing statements around based on nothing. You did it a few months ago, you did it yesterday.

[Conti764]

On this forum it depends who/what you're critical off

Thanks for this great contribution Sean, really adds another dimension to the discussion!

As for the subject, which I prefer to talk about in this topic, tourism will be hit pretty badly again in Istanbul and Turkey. Will the impact be comparable to 22/03 or even worse?

Since terror seems to be a monthly issue in Turkey, I guess the impact is already worse then 22/03. Since IST is more of a transfer airport I guess it will recover relatively good from the attack. BRU is heavy O&D...

[sn26567]

May I please beg all the contributors to this forum to abstain from personal attacks and to stick to FACTS !

Thanks for not making Luchtzak a battle ground.

[lumumba]

Well, you're amongst the most complaining about BRU and it's not the first time someone else has to open your eyes. Just common sense does wonders from time to time. Another detail: damage at IST is far less since the perpetrators used explosive belts while in BRU much heavier explosive bags have been used.

But hey, go on nagging about BRU while flying through CDG or DUS...

I'm using BRUSSELS has airport and that's why I'm critical because it can better no bashing at all here.
I did not wanna push further on this matter but now I will.

Yes the Police did a bad job in Brussels and it's worse now.
That's my opinion is there a problem!!!

Feel free to elaborate in what way the police in Brussels did a bad job. Turkish police as well? French police as well? US police as well?

You're not just critical, you're throwing statements around based on nothing. You did it a few months ago, you did it yesterday.

And the Police in Mechelen they did a great job!?!
I can not speak about the French or the Turkish police...
And if I think that the pre heck is not a good thing it's my right.

But believe me Conti I will never make a conversation personal!
And use words like crap etc...

[Passenger]

As for the subject, which I prefer to talk about in this topic, tourism will be hit pretty badly again in Istanbul and Turkey. Will the impact be comparable to 22/03 or even worse?

Since terror seems to be a monthly issue in Turkey, I guess the impact is already worse then 22/03. Since IST is more of a transfer airport I guess it will recover relatively good from the attack. BRU is heavy O&D...

Istanbul and Turkey were already suffering from previous terrorist attacks. Touroperators were anxious to give the figures, but minus 30% was an average for those who mentionned a figure. Yesterday's bomb attack will double that damage.

Because of the previous bomb attacks, Turkey became a last decision destination: people who planned Turkey as destination but who didn't book until very close to the planned travel dates. Unfortunately for Turkey, those travelers will now book another destination. "Safe travel" is about perception: people estimate for themselves the risk that they will encounter a life treatening danger at their destination. Turkey now levels with Tunesia.

On top, Istanbul is an important city trip destination for European travelers. That market is lost for this season. Remember Paris (November 2015) and Brussels (22/03): it takes time before people forget what happened.

The only market that will not be affected, is Türkish Airlines' traffic using IST as hub. But the local shop owners and hoteliers won't profit from it, as people will now stay in the protected airside part of the airport.

[hakan]

Another blow to the Turkish tourism industry.

Unfortunately, yes...

I am leaving on saturday, for Bodrum. Secretly I was kinda hoping for a negative advice but the terror scare at Turkey seems to be concentrated around certain area's (Istanbul, Ankara, Eastern Turkey) and surprisingly not at touristic centers.

So I set aside all my thoughts and will enjoy a nice vacation. After all, nobody can guarantee I won't be shot or detonated in Brussels either.

Like you said there is nothing you can do if somebody wants to hurt other people. Just carry on your normal life and enjoy your holiday. Of course, you will be alert of your surroundings as usual. Don't let the terrorists to spoil and interrupt your life. I will be in Istanbul next January and I am looking forward to my break and see Istanbul again.

[hakan]

Turkish Prime Minister is telling that the terrorists couldn't go through the 1st security check and allegedly come back with their guns and shooting people through the 1st security check and walking inside terminal. One terrorist was killed by an armed Customs officer who was also killed in the ambush. The other was shot by a police officer but he managed to detonate the bomb strapped on his body.
It is very upsetting!

[sn-remember]

Thoughts are with the innocent victims, and for those innocent victims that might fall in future attacks. Thoughts with the 200,000 plus innocent victims that fell in Syria the last 6 years.. Many of whom murdered by terrorists from all around the world. Many of those terrorists transited through IST on their way to Syria. The monster has finally bit the had that has fed it for years. Again all sympathy for the innocent victims, and may it be a lesson to those who create and use monsters in their proxy wars. Our government and the EU MUST start holding countries (mostly our allies) accountable for supporting and financing terror. Mainly S.ARABIA and QATAR.
Again, pre checks are useless, and more dangerous. In BRU specifically the crowd of people waiting for loved ones under that dark bridge outside arrival is very scary. I hope that authorities will rethink the whole BRU post 22/3 disaster and come up with more discrete and more effective security.

Certainly the wisest post currently on this thread ...

[Passenger]

As a result of this terrorist attack, the University of Ghent today has cancelled/forbitten all travel from staff and students (Erasmus) to Turkey.

Apparently the Universiteit Leuven has the same travel policy, but only for students (and not for staff).