Emirates just announced the cancelation of all flights and now Turkish Airlines is the next one. I had written how they had canceled flights to over 100 countries already but, as reader Ed pointed out, Turkish is now canceling all their international flights – except to 5 cities.
Turkish Airlines Cancels All International Flights – Except to 5 Cities
As of March 27, Turkish Airlines will be grounding all their international flights except to the following cities – Hong Kong, Moscow, Ethiopia, New York and Washington, D.C. This is big for the airline that flies to more countries than any other airline in the world and they are only keeping those cities to facilitate transfers.
The chairman said there will be no layoffs (Turkey itself owns 49% of Turkish Airlines) and had a rather unusual incentive laid out – which I find hard to believe. The Daily Sabah says this:
He added that the company will give a 15% bonus to those who postpone their tickets instead of returning, and 1,000 bonus miles will be given for every 10 euros ($10.76) of the ticket price, he said.
I can only imagine that it is only for people who have their final destination as Turkey so it may be a way to keep Turkish citizens away for now. I cannot believe they will give every passenger this as it would be an insane amount of miles. Our family had a big trip planned in a couple of weeks that would result in 470,000 Turkish miles. 🙂 Sure, we’ll postpone that. 🙂
Check this post for information about canceling your trip or finding information about it. This post will be updated with resume dates on flights to various countries so keep track of this one, too.
Hey Charlie,
Do know or have you heard if they will extend the Elite qualification period? I’m 15k eqm short for reaching E+ by July 8. But now it’s in jeopardy 🙁 I just hate having to start over since I believe they take the last 12 months of activity for the qualification (as opposed to calendar year).
I am almost positive we will be hearing something from airlines in the next month, maybe by mid-may, about elite status qualification. Right now, they are trying to get control of their schedules and reaccommodating passengers. If they are able to re-start routes by the end of April, I think elite travelers will hear from them next about the anticipated adjustments to qualifications this year. I have heard from some programs that they know adjustments need to be made but they are not ready to address it just yet. I will update when I hear!