Turkish passenger flights with Iran suspended

By Havva Kara Aydin

ANKARA (AA) - Commercial flights between Turkey and Iran have been suspended as fears grow the coronavirus is spreading, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of Turkey said Wednesday.

“Passenger flights between Turkey and Iran have been suspended until further notice and Iranian carriers will be allowed to transport passengers from Turkey to Iran with the condition of coming without any passengers. Turkish passengers will not be carried on these flights,” the agency said on Twitter.

Iran reported 95 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and Turkey closed its border gates, stopped railways crossings and suspended most flight service, except Turkish passengers returning from Tehran.

Turkish Airlines reduced its number of daily trips to Tehran to two on Tuesday, and restricted return flights to Turkish passengers only.

Turkey also closed its land borders and railway service with Iran.

The novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has sounded global alarm, with China reporting more than 2,700 deaths from the outbreak, and health experts grappling to find a cure.

Outside mainland China, the coronavirus has spread to more than 30 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

The WHO has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.