Foreign Office travel advice as airport evacuated amid wildfires at holiday hotspot
An airport suspended all flights on Sunday as firefighters tackled a wildfire that was raging out of control
Flames rise from a forest area after a wildfire broke out in Izmir in Turkey
As July begins many Brits will be planning holidays abroad in the sun, and Turkey is normally quite high on the list of preferred destinations.
However, the country has been badly hit by huge wildfires in recent days. The country's Adnan Menderes Airport, serving the coastal city of Izmir, suspended all flights on Sunday as firefighters tackled a wildfire that was raging out of control. No flights were able to land or take off for several hours, with the departure board showing all evening flights either suspended or cancelled.
The arrivals board also indicated that incoming flights were either suspended or cancelled, affecting both domestic flights within Turkey and international flights from cities in the UK.
Some inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports, according to Turkiye Today. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
The blaze erupted on the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts of Izmir, with photographs from the scene showing towering flames as the fire spreads. Firefighters battled the inferno from both the air and ground.
Firefighting teams including two planes, a helicopter, three water tankers, and a water supply vehicle from the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry were mobilised to tackle the blaze.
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The municipal fire brigade also joined the effort. The origin of the fire is yet to be determined.
Turkish media are reporting that 455 families were forced to flee their homes over the weekend after another wildfire erupted on the edge of Izmir, spreading rapidly towards the forest.
Additional fires earlier in the week caused travel disruptions, evacuations, and sparked a comprehensive emergency response.
What is the Foreign Office say about travelling to Turkey?
The Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued any new advice to people travelling to Turkey in the wake of the wildfires.
However, the FCDO is advising against all travel to within 10km of Turkey's border with Syria. A spokesperson said: "FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
"Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be closed at short notice.
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"In Hakkari province you must get permission from the local Governor's Office to visit areas near the border with Iraq and Iran. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
"Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office and pay a fee. If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.
Take extra care if you're travelling to this area. "
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