Several aircraft operated by Turkish Airlines and AJet returned to airports in Istanbul after departing for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, early Thursday. No official explanation has been given so far for the changes in the flights’ routes.
Turkish Airlines Flights Return to Istanbul
According to RIA Novosti, citing sources at Istanbul’s airports, two Turkish Airlines TK246 flights returned to Istanbul International Airport after departing for Riyadh.
One of the flights took off at 9:59 p.m. Moscow time before changing course about 35 minutes later. It returned to Istanbul and landed at approximately 11:20 p.m.
The airport has not announced a new departure time for the flight, and no official reason has been given for its return.
Another flight, TK140, departed Istanbul at 8:43 p.m. Moscow time. After approximately two hours in the air, the aircraft changed course while flying over northern Saudi Arabia and headed back toward Istanbul. It was expected to land at around 2:00 a.m. Moscow time.
AJet Flight Returns After Less Than an Hour
A similar situation occurred with an AJet flight. Flight VF213 departed Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport at 9:47 p.m. Moscow time.
About 50 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft changed course and returned to Istanbul, landing at approximately 12:10 a.m. Moscow time.
Pegasus Flight Delayed
Meanwhile, a Pegasus flight scheduled to depart Istanbul for Riyadh at 12:25 a.m. Moscow time was delayed until 5:15 a.m.
In contrast, a flynas flight traveling from Istanbul continued its journey normally and landed in Riyadh as scheduled at approximately 12:40 a.m. Moscow time.
Houthi Warnings Against Flying Over Saudi Arabia
The developments come after the Houthis announced attacks targeting Abha, Jizan, and Najran airports in Saudi Arabia using drones and ballistic missiles.
The group also warned airlines against operating flights through Saudi airspace, with the exception of the airspace over Mecca and Medina.
So far, there is no confirmed information establishing a direct connection between the Houthi warnings and the return of the aircraft. Further clarification is expected from the airlines or relevant authorities.
