The Russian Embassy in Turkey has warned citizens to avoid flying Turkish Airlines to Latin American destinations due to an increase in passengers being denied boarding on connecting flights from Istanbul. The embassy accused Turkish Airlines of turning away Russian passengers without explanation, especially for flights to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, and other Latin American countries. Despite complaints to Turkish authorities, there has been no clear reaction to address the issue, leading to concerns about how seriously the matter is being taken.
Reports surfaced in March that Turkish Airlines had denied boarding to Russian passengers going to cities like Buenos Aires and Sao Paolo, citing reasons such as lack of baggage, unsuitable documents, and no travel history. In response to a reported rise in Turkish asylum seekers trying to reach the United States, Turkish Airlines also introduced additional rules for flights to South America. The Russian Association of Tour Operators noted that citizens of various nationalities have been denied boarding on Turkish Airlines for transfers to Latin American countries, with concerns also related to illegal immigration to the U.S., particularly after a surge in Russians crossing the U.S.-Mexico border following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
A Telegram news channel with links to Russia’s security services estimated that about 1,000 Russians have been denied boarding on flights to Latin America from Istanbul, further heightening tensions. In response, the Russian Embassy in Ankara issued recommendations for passengers who have been denied boarding, advising them to contact the Russian consulate in Istanbul and explore legal actions against Turkish Airlines. This situation has emerged amidst the backdrop of Turkey becoming an essential transit hub for travel to and from Russia, given mutual airspace bans between Russia and Western countries following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian embassy’s warning against flying Turkish Airlines to Latin American destinations has shed light on growing concerns over passengers being denied boarding on connecting flights from Istanbul. Despite complaints from Russian passengers and officials, Turkish Airlines continues to turn away travelers without providing clear explanations, particularly for flights bound for Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, and other countries in Latin America. The situation comes amid broader concerns about illegal immigration, asylum seekers, and a surge in Russians attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
With reports of Russian passengers being refused boarding for various reasons, including lack of baggage and unsuitable documents, Turkish Airlines has faced criticism for its handling of these incidents. Additional rules for flights to South America were introduced by the airline in response to concerns about Turkish asylum seekers trying to reach the United States, further complicating the situation. As the number of passengers denied boarding on Turkish Airlines continues to rise, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the responses from both Turkish authorities and the airline itself, with the Russian Embassy offering support and advice to affected travelers seeking recourse.
