Three dead, 179 injured after plane skids off runway in Istanbul
A passenger plane flying into Istanbul has crashed after skidding off a runway, killing three people and injuring at least 179 others.
The aircraft, operated by low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines, was travelling from Izmir when it skidded off the runway at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport on Wednesday, breaking into three pieces.
According to Istanbul governor Ali Yerlikaya, the plane – identified as flight PC2193 – was carrying 183 Turkish nationals, including 175 passengers, two children and six crew members.
In closed-circuit television footage obtained by VOA News, the aircraft can be seen making a hard landing at the airport before skidding around 160 feet and falling in a ditch. Yerlikaya said in separate reports the jet fell around 100 feet below the runway.
At least 179 people have been confirmed as injured and sent to hospitals as a result of the accident. Kerem Gun, a chief physician at one of the hospitals treating victims, told broadcaster NTV most of the injured had broken noses and head trauma.
Turkish news reports said the two pilots of flight PC2193 were seriously injured.
“This could have been a bigger accident, we are happy it wasn’t bigger,” Turkey’s Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in a press conference Wednesday, adding that aside from one or two people, “The rest are only injured lightly.”
In a press statement, Pegasus Airlines said the plane was flying from Izmir, a city in western Turkey, and described the accident as “a runway excursion after landing”. A Pegasus Airlines spokeswoman confirmed the incident to Travel Weekly but did not provide further details.
“Pegasus Airlines shares in the profound sorrow of all the people affected by this tragic accident,” the airline said in a separate press statement.
“Above all, we would like to express our profound sympathy and heartfelt condolences to those families and friends who have lost loved ones and extend our thoughts to them at this difficult time.
“Our injured passengers continue to be treated in hospital and we wish them all a swift recovery.”
The airport was shut down after the incident, which occurred at around 6:30pm (local time) and flights were being diverted to Istanbul’s main airport.
Experts have suggested heavy rain played a part in the accident, with weather considered a factor. In audio released by NTV, airport officials can be heard warning pilots about strong winds.
“According to information we obtained, a hard landing happened, and as it couldn’t slow down, it left the runway,” Turkey’s transportation minister, Mehmet Cahit Turhan, told CNN Turk.
“A significant number of passengers left the plane on their own, and the evacuation work for the ones inside was still ongoing,” he said.
Prosecutors in the capital city of Turkey Ankara have launched an investigation into the incident.
In 2018, a Pegasus Airlines passenger jet in the northeast coastal city of Trabzon skidded off a runway, landing metres from the Black Sea. No passengers or crew members were injured in the incident, which left the aircraft hanging on an angle, on a steep slope over the sea.
Featured image: Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737 (iStock.com/Senohrabek)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
crash istanbul Pegasus Airlines turkeyLatest News
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.