Turkish Airlines’ passenger plane TK879, departing from Tehran and arriving to Istanbul, made an emergency landing to Ankara due to suspicion of ‘Coronavirus’. A state of emergency was declared at Esenboğa Airport.
It was learned that a passenger on the plane had symptoms of ‘Coronavirus’ and the flight crew made an emergency landing decision. Numerous medical teams were available to meet the aircraft.
It was stated that the A330-300 type aircraft with TC-LOE tail registration put it at Esenboğa Airport at 10:45 and all passengers were screened.
It was stated that all transactions were carried out under the coordination of Esenboğa Airport Civil Authority and there was a suspicion of virus in 1 passenger.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued by the instruction Turkish companies were only permitted to carry only the citizens of the Republic of Turkey from Iran. In line with this instruction, it was stated that the passenger who was quarantined with the suspicion of Covid-19 was likely to have a Turkish identity.
EXPLANATION FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The Ministry of Health gave information about the measures taken. The statement included the following statements:
As it is known, as of February 23, land, iron and airline crossings have been stopped with our neighbor Iran. Our land borders are mutually closed, but returns continue for Iranian citizens who want to return to Iran by air. A special flight was organized for Turkish citizens who want to return to our country from Iran. Turkish citizens coming to our country from Iran this time will be kept under observation for 14 days.
In this context, the flight of Tehran, TK879, of THY, is planned to land in Ankara. The 132 Turkish passengers and crew on board were previously evacuated and prepared as a quarantine hospital for their initial checks and quarantine processes. Zekai will be transferred to Tahir Burak Hospital. After the detailed health checks of the passengers are made, the samples will be taken and the analyzes will be completed in our National Virology Laboratory.
PASSENGER AND CREW HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL
Passengers and crew arriving by Turkish Airlines aircraft, for quarantine Zekai was transferred to Tahir Burak Hospital.
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