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Is Erdogan's airport dream turning into nightmare?
Al Monitor ^ | March 6, 2019 | Pinar Tremblay

Posted on 03/07/2019 12:20:10 PM PST by C19fan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan enjoys talking about gigantic construction works, aiming to make Western powers and domestic enemies envious. Often referred to as mega infrastructure projects, the third Bosporus Bridge, Istanbul Canal and the third international airport are his signature enterprises. Erdogan inaugurated the new airport at a soft opening Oct. 29, the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. Named Istanbul New Airport (ISL), it aims to be the biggest hub in the world once it is fully operational.

Yet, when that day might actually come remains a mystery. The opening had been set for December. In January, a new date was announced: March 3. Around mid-February, another delay moved the opening to April. Despite all efforts, the airport suffered several cancelled flights and even temporary suspensions. Some reports say contractors are walking away from the project.

(Excerpt) Read more at al-monitor.com ...


TOPICS: Travel
KEYWORDS: airport; corruption; erdogan; istanbul; kurdistan; receptayyiperdogan; turkey
Turkey has been very aggressive about becoming a major hub of air travel competing with Dubai. The airport in the final stage will have 6 runways and an annual capacity of 150 MM passengers. Dubai currently has a capacity of around 90 MM. My wife is flying on Turkish Airlines in the fall of this year and the new airport suppose to be open. Looks like it would be much less of a safety risky if this airport stays inoperable.
1 posted on 03/07/2019 12:20:10 PM PST by C19fan
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To: C19fan
Trick question: Which airline flies to the most countries?

Answer: Turkish Airlines. 121 countries

2 posted on 03/07/2019 12:30:47 PM PST by The Truth Will Make You Free
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To: The Truth Will Make You Free

Just a few years ago I did not give a thought to Turkish Airlines then they exploded on the scene. I remember the aggressive marketing campaign especially the campaign associated with “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”.


3 posted on 03/07/2019 12:34:21 PM PST by C19fan
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To: C19fan

I wonder if they’ll sacrifice a camel on the tarmac, like a group of mechanics did at Ataturk International a few years back.


4 posted on 03/07/2019 1:01:24 PM PST by GreyHoundSailor
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To: C19fan
I'm sorry to read about this mess. I spent two semesters as a visiting professor at Marmara University in Istanbul. I came to like Turkey and the Turkish people. They deserve better than this.
5 posted on 03/07/2019 1:46:35 PM PST by JoeFromSidney (Colonel (Retired) USAFgt.)
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To: The Truth Will Make You Free

I have been flying Turkish in and out of Europe (mostly Frankfurt) these past years. Hard to beat their prices (HALF of the non-stop from LAX-FRA) and their business class is excellent!!!


6 posted on 03/07/2019 3:26:17 PM PST by SW6906 (6 things you can't have too much of: sex, money, firewood, horsepower, guns and ammunition.)
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To: SW6906

Yep. Hate to admit it but actually Turkish Airlines are near the best for the price.


7 posted on 03/09/2019 4:13:59 AM PST by NorseViking
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