Turkey Travel Update 2025: Wildfires Causing Temporary Flight Cancellations

Published on July 1, 2025

As travellers around the world begin charting their summer itineraries, many are eyeing Turkey — a land where ancient history meets turquoise coastlines and vibrant bazaars. But the recent reports of wildfires in southwestern Turkey, which temporarily disrupted travel and led to flight cancellations, have left some wondering: Is it safe to travel to Turkey now?

According to official government sources, including the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), Turkey remains open and safe for tourism. Most popular destinations including Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, and Izmir are fully operational and unaffected by the recent wildfires.

Swift Government Response to Wildfires

The wildfires, which flared up in Muğla and Antalya provinces in mid-June 2025 due to prolonged heatwaves and dry conditions, prompted rapid response from Turkish authorities. The AFAD, in coordination with local fire brigades, dispatched over 2,500 personnel, firefighting aircraft, drones, and helicopters to the affected areas.

As of late June, over 90% of the fire zones have been brought under control. Evacuations were precautionary, targeting rural areas and villages near dense forests. Tourists were safely relocated to nearby accommodations when needed. The Turkish government has emphasized that these measures were taken to ensure zero casualties and protect both residents and visitors.

In a press release , the authority stated, “The safety of our citizens and guests is our top priority. Firefighting operations have been successful, and all efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy.”

Are Flights to Turkey Cancelled?

The General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ) reported that some flights were temporarily cancelled or diverted to alternate airports due to smoke-related visibility issues in Bodrum, Dalaman, and Antalya. However, major airports, including Istanbul Airport (IST) and Ankara Esenboğa Airport, have been operating without disruption.

As of July 1, normal flight operations have resumed in most regions. Travellers with bookings to Muğla or Antalya are encouraged to check their flight status directly with airlines or visit for real-time updates.

Which Destinations Are Safe for Travel?

While wildfire-affected areas are being monitored and gradually reopened, most of Turkey’s top tourist attractions are completely safe and unaffected. These include:

• Istanbul – Historical sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are fully operational.
• Cappadocia – Famous for its hot air balloon rides and cave dwellings, remains untouched by fire activity.
• Pamukkale and Ephesus – Popular heritage zones in Denizli and Izmir are not within any affected zones.
• Black Sea Coast – Cities like Trabzon and Rize offer a lush escape, far from wildfire regions.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Safe Tourism Program, originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended into 2025 to cover natural disaster response. Tourists can identify hotels and transport providers with certified safety protocols under this scheme by visiting .

Health and Environmental Precautions in Place

The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines for travellers staying near fire-affected zones. While air quality concerns were raised during the peak of fire activity, most areas have returned to normal levels. Tourists with asthma or respiratory conditions are advised to carry medications and avoid outdoor activities near any active fire zones.

Environmental recovery efforts, including reforestation, wildlife protection, and eco-tourism rehabilitation programs, have also been activated under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

What Tourists Need to Know Before Travelling

If you are planning to visit Turkey this summer or autumn, here are a few helpful recommendations from the Turkish government:

1. Stay updated via official sources .
2. Check flight status regularly on airline websites.
3. Download the AFAD mobile app for emergency alerts and location-based safety updates.
4. Book accommodations with Safe Tourism Certification for ensured health and safety standards.
5. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, ideally covering natural events and cancellations.

It is also advisable to consult your home country’s foreign ministry travel advisory. As of now, most countries have not issued any travel bans for Turkey, only suggesting awareness of localized risks.

Tourism Sector Showing Strong Resilience

Despite natural challenges, Turkey’s tourism sector remains robust. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the country hosted over 23 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, up from 20 million in the same period last year. Tourism revenue has also grown significantly, reinforcing the country’s readiness and resilience in the face of temporary disruptions.

Many tour operators are offering flexible rebooking policies or discounted packages to accommodate travel changes caused by the wildfire situation. Local travel guides and hospitality workers have also stepped up efforts to ensure that travellers continue to feel safe and informed.

Hope, Hospitality, and a Warm Welcome Still Await

As the summer unfolds, Turkey remains not just a destination of beauty, but of resilience and hospitality. From the vibrant alleyways of Istanbul to the serene beaches of the Aegean coast, life continues, with Turkish warmth and spirit undeterred.

While nature may have tested certain parts of the country, travellers can be confident that Turkey’s authorities are fully equipped to manage challenges and prioritize public safety. With transparent communication, active recovery, and strong infrastructure, Turkey welcomes the world with open arms — perhaps now more than ever.