Israel Matzav

Turkish Airways pilot refuses to fly to Beirut

Protesting the kidnapping of two Turkish Airways pilots in Beirut ten days ago, a Turkish Airways pilot refused on Monday to fly to the Lebanese capital.

Yilmaz Ozgenturk, a captain at national carrier Turkish Airlines (THY), left the cockpit after announcing to passengers in Turkish and English that he would not fly to Beirut because he was protesting the abduction, the Milliyet newspaper reported.

The plane eventually took off after a new pilot was sent.

The airline has launched a probe into the action of the captain, who reportedly said: "That was my personal choice."

On August 9, gunmen ambushed a bus carrying Turkish Airlines crew from Beirut's international airport to a hotel in the city, and snatched its two pilots.

A previously unknown group calling itself Zuwwar Imam al-Rida claimed the abduction, and demanded that Turkey use its influence with Syrian rebels it backs to secure the release of nine Lebanese Shiites kidnapped in Syria in May 2012.

I don't understand why the airline is still flying to Beirut. If the Lebanese authorities cannot or will not protect their personnel, they ought not to be flying there. 

Labels: Beirut, Lebanon, Turkish Airways

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:38 PM