Airport chaos for Irish holidaymakers as all flights grounded in Turkey spot after raging wildfire breaks out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Irish holidaymakers have been affected as a Turkish airport suspends all flights while fire crews tackle an out-of-control wildfire.
Adnan Menderes Airport, serving the coastal city of Izmir, has halted all departures and arrivals. Aer Lingus Flight EI 799, scheduled to leave for dublin-airport>Dublin Airport at 10:20pm last night, was cancelled. A SunExpress Airlines flight to Dublin took off earlier in the day, before the wildfires began.
Another flight from Dublin Airport, operated by SunExpress Airlines, was expected to land at Adnan Menderes Airport but was delayed by two and a half hours. Flights to Istanbul, London Stansted, Copenhagen in Denmark, Cologne in Germany and Sofia in Bulgaria are also affected.
It remains unclear when normal operations will resume, reports the Irish Mirror. Some incoming flights have been redirected to nearby airports, according to Turkiye Today.
(Image: Suleyman Elcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The publication reports that officials expect operations to recommence once the fire is under control. The fire erupted on the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts of Izmir yesterday.
Photographs from the scene show towering flames as the fire spreads. Firefighters are battling the blaze from both the air and ground.
Firefighting teams, including two planes, one helicopter, three water tenders, and a water supply vehicle from the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry, were dispatched to the area. They were also joined by the municipal fire brigade.
(Image: Lokman Ilhan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage. Turkish media reports indicate that 455 families were evacuated this weekend due to another wildfire which broke out on the outskirts of Izmir and quickly spread to the forest.
Earlier this week, there were other fires in the area which disrupted travel, prompted evacuations, and triggered a broad emergency response.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes flow for Irish tourist killed in Bolivian landcruiser accident
Tributes have flowed for an Irish tourist who was killed when a 4x4 overturned in Bolivia with a pal saying he was 'one of the loveliest people you would ever have met.' Named locally as Oisin Hoey, 29, from Clontarf in Dublin, he was among a group of seven in a Toyota Landcruiser when the accident occurred on Bolivia's famous salt flats on Friday afternoon. Officials said the group was on their way to a local volcano when the vehicle flipped over and travelled for a further 40 metres before coming to a halt on its side. Mr Hoy was gravely injured and was being brought to the nearby city of Potosi when he died en route. Five others, including two Bolivians, two Germans and a Dutchman were also injured. Three required hospital treatment in Potosi due to the severity of their injuries. Mr Hoey, who had a love for travelling and adventures, was also described by a pal as a 'very popular man.' 'He was one of the loveliest persons you'd ever meet,' local councillor Kevin Breen, who was a good friend of Oisin's since their childhood, said. 'He was so full of life and loved adventures and travel. He was also a great GAA man and ran a good few marathons. 'It's just so tragic and extremely heartbreaking,' he said. Local Bolivian police chief Colonel Wilson Flores said authorities believe the incident occurred due to excessive speed. He said one of the other tourists had requested to drive the vehicle in order to record a video for social media when it occurred. Flores said: "Unfortunately due to excessive speed, it lost control and the vehicle turned over, causing one death and five injuries. The deceased passed away en route to Potosi due to the abdominal injury he suffered." Local tourism boss Raul Torres said the accident occurred amid increasing concerns about safety levels among tour operators in Bolivia. He said many firms were not attending road safety training and an instruction session scheduled for last Friday had been cancelled because of the failure of company drivers to show up.
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Shannon Airport calls for rail link for over 10,000 daily commuters
The Shannon Airport Group is calling for the prioritisation of a rail link, which it says will enhance regional accessibility for its more than 10,000 daily commuters. The group has submitted a proposal to the Government urging for decisive action to address what it has called critical infrastructure deficits in the southern region. The group has warned that unless the National Development Plan (NDP) prioritises infrastructure in the South, the national vision for equitable economic and population growth risks falling short. Among its demands is the airport's inclusion in the regional airports programme to enable targeted capital investment. 'Aviation is a key enabler of economic growth by connecting markets, facilitating trade, and unlocking opportunities for tourism and investment,' the group said. Shannon Airport has a key role to play in advancing the objectives of Project Ireland 2040, serving as a key driver for both the national and regional economy 'By investing in infrastructure improvements and expanding route networks, Shannon Airport can reinforce Ireland's long-term economic resilience, ensuring that the West of Ireland thrives economically.' The group has submitted a proposal to the Government urging for decisive action to address what it has called critical infrastructure deficits in the southern region. It is also asking for recommendations from the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce (SEET) to be implemented, with the group urging the Government to integrate SEET priorities into the updated plan. The estuary's potential as a hub for renewable energy, sustainable industry, and tourism is immense, the group said, adding that strategic investment in the region will unlock 'significant economic and climate action benefits.' Commenting on the group's submission, Shannon Airport Group chief Mary Considine said: 'The National Development Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebalance regional development. 'Our group's submission reinforces the need for a more equitable distribution of capital investment, aligning with minister [Jack] Chambers' vision of boosting economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving balanced regional development. 'Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Irish economy, and we are calling on Government to ensure that the updated NDP delivers the infrastructure and investment needed to realise the full potential of this region.' Read More Kerry Airport to hit record passenger numbers with new facilities
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Comeraghs Wild 2025 to celebrate everything trad
The Comeraghs Wild Festival returns to Waterford this July. The festival aims to bring alive the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains with the sights, sounds and spirit of Irish tradition. Under this year's theme of 'Nostalgias', the festival offers a four-day celebration of Ireland's cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling and family adventures. Spanning from July 10 to 13, a standout feature will occur on July 12 with demonstrations of traditional music and dance. Commencing at 3pm, the Rambling House Session hosted by Joe Power will encourage all to carry a tune, tell a tale or simply to soak up the atmosphere of the gathering that echoes the oral traditions of generations past. Activities will extend into the evening at the Rathgormack Hiking and Community Centre with dancing and music. Set dancers of every age and ability will feel right at home here with music provided by the Neily O'Connor Band and the talents of Ceol Craobh Crotaigh. For families, the festival offers plenty to feed imaginations in the outdoors. Crough Woods will host Clair O'Sullivan's Creative Children's Summer Camp to learn nature-based crafts, treasure hunts and woodland magic. Designed for children, but grown-ups are also welcome. The camp offers children a chance to connect with nature in a playful, meaningful way. Niamh Fennell on bodhran, Sarah O'Gorman on fiddle and dancers Darragh O'Connor, Kate Motherway, Sophie Dunford, and Annie Keohane beneath the Comeraghs ahead of the festival. Photo: Patrick Browne Families can also enjoy the 40-minute scenic train ride along the greenway aboard the Waterford Suir Valley Railway. Onboard, kids will have a chance to meet Honey and Barry Bear and take part in a treasure hunt, and get their faces painted. A children's surfing lesson will be facilitated by Bunmahon Surf School. Designed for children under 12, the lessons aim to introduce youngsters to the thrill of the water sport in a fun and safe way. Booking in advance is essential for this activity as places are limited. Details for tickets and the full festival programme are available online on the Comeraghs Wild website. Read More Lighten Up: How I saved the day at the wedding of the century
