Turkish Airlines resumes US flights

ISTANBUL (AA) - All scheduled Turkish Airlines flights to the U.S. have resumed as of Tuesday, starting with the Istanbul – New York flight at 6.45 a.m. (0345GMT).

Following the illegal failed coup attempt in Turkey, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ban stopping all airlines, whether U.S. or foreign, from carrying out flights between the United States and Turkey.

The FAA lifted the ban, Turkish Airlines media relations office announced late Monday.

"We saw no reason for the ban as all precautions were in line with the norms," said Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci. "Following our recent report and dense meetings, the FAA removed the ban as expected.”

The deadly coup attempt happened late Friday when rogue elements of Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government. Military tanks were on the street in Istanbul and Ankara announcing that the army seized control of the country.

At least 208 people, including members of the security forces and civilians, were martyred in Istanbul and Ankara and nearly 1,500 others wounded as they protested against the coup.

The government said Friday’s failed coup was organized by followers of US-based cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is accused of pursuing a long-running campaign to overthrow the government through supporters within the Turkish state, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.