FAA lifts ban on U.S.-Turkey flights

The FAA lifted all restrictions on flights to and from Turkey at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, the agency said in a statement. 

Turkish Airlines flights to the U.S. will resume Tuesday, starting with an Istanbul–New York flight departing at 6:45 a.m., the carrier said. 

U.S. regulators had banned flights to or from the country in the wake of the failed military coup attempt against the government of president Tayyip Erdogan last Friday. Carriers also had been forbidden from operating a single plane between the U.S. and Turkey with a stopover. 

When that decision was made, the FAA said it would update the restrictions as the situation evolved.

Although the ban is over, airlines that serve Turkey either directly from the U.S. or through European destinations are offering ticket changes free of charge.

Air France, KLM and and Alitalia, all of which are joint venture partners with Delta, will reschedule flights for free that that had departure dates to or from Istanbul between July 16 and July 19. The flights must be rescheduled by July 21 for travel no later than July 25. 

American, through its joint venture with British Airways, is waiving change fees for all flights to or from Turkey between July 17 and July 24. Travelers who want to change their flight to go to another European airport must pay any difference in the price of ticket. Rebooked flights must be completed by Aug. 7.

United, which has a joint venture with Lufthansa, is waiving change fees on flights to or from Turkey from July 15 to July 22. Rebooked flights must depart by Sept. 30. A difference in fare may apply for a change in the departure or destination city. 

No U.S. carrier flies to Turkey with its own planes.  

Turkish Airlines, the only carrier that serves the U.S. from Turkey directly, will refund all unused tickets for July 15 to July 20. Customers can rebook or reroute Turkish tickets from those days without charge. In addition, itineraries can be extended through Aug. 15 without charge.

Source: FAA lifts ban on U.S.-Turkey flights