Wildfires force temporary closure of Izmir airport in Turkey

Adnan Menderes International Airport in Turkey’s western city of Izmir has suspended all incoming and outgoing flights due to ongoing wildfires in the province, Milliyet newspaper reported.

The airport is located near the fire zone in Gaziemir district. Heavy smoke and firefighting aircraft activity have forced the suspension of operations. Several incoming flights were diverted, and departures were canceled. Operations are expected to resume once the fires are under control.

Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban said more than 1,000 firefighters, aircraft, bulldozers, ambulances, and gendarmerie units are battling the blazes. Strong winds, reaching 117 km/h, have grounded most aerial efforts, with only heavy aircraft able to operate. Five neighborhoods in Seferihisar district were evacuated.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said Turkey registered 150 forest fires over the past two days, mostly in western and northwestern regions.