Singaporeans advised to avoid non-essential travel to Turkey
People gather in city's main Kizilay Square to protest against a military coup in Ankara, Turkey, early Saturday, July 16, 2016. Photo: AP
SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Singaporeans to avoid non-essential travel to Turkey for the time being, after an attempted Turkish military coup early on Saturday (July 16) morning.
"Singaporeans who are in Turkey should stay indoors, monitor the news closely and e-register with MFA. They should let their family and friends know that they are safe," said the MFA in a statement.
About 42 people have been reported killed in Ankara alone, most of them civilians. More deaths have also been reported in Istanbul.
Several flights from Singapore to Istanbul have also been turned back or cancelled. "Due to the situation in Turkey, flight SQ392 returned to Singapore while enroute to Istanbul," said a spokesman for Singapore Airlines. "The aircraft arrived back in Singapore at 10.21am Singapore time. There were 167 passengers and 14 crew onboard."
At least two flights from Changi Airport to Istanbul on Saturday night have been cancelled. It is unclear when regular flights will resume. "Our customers are advised to visit our website for the latest updates on our flights. We will continue to monitor the situation closely," the SIA spokesman added.
Meanwhile, those who require consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Ankara or the MFA Duty Office (24 hours) at:
Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Ankara
Tel: + 90 530 066 7311
Email: singemb_ank [at] mfa.sg (singemb_ank[at]mfa[dot]sg)
MFA Duty Office
Tel: +65 6379 8800 / 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg (mfa_duty_officer[at]mfa[dot]gov[dot]sg)
