Should you still go ahead with your holiday to Turkey?
The popular destination is in lockdown after an attempted military coup, so here's the latest advice on your travel plans
LAST night’s attempted coup has left British holidaymakers worried about whether they should still travel to Turkey.
The country was in lockdown after a military led uprising in Ankara and Istanbul left 90 dead and the Foreign Office advised tourists to “stay indoors, avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and remain vigilant."
Over 2.5 million Brits visit the country every year, to soak up the sun in beach resorts such as Kusadasi, Marmaris, Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye and Dalaman on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
But should you carry on with your travel plans, if you have booked a break there?
The Foreign Office say they are keeping an eye on developments but, as of this morning, the official advice was not to ditch the summer holiday.
The Foreign Office website read: “It’s generally safe to travel but you should take additional safety precautions. You should be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with tourists.”
However, if you are travelling in the next few days, it may be a different matter.
British Airways have cancelled ALL flights to Turkey today and Thomas Cook are offering free amendments or cancellations to anyone who is booked to fly out this weekend.
A BA representative said: "In light of the events unfolding in Turkey, all flights to and from the country have been cancelled today (July 16).
"We are keeping flights to Turkey under review. The safety and security of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority at all times. For the latest flight details please refer to ba.com."
EasyJet, which has 24 flights scheduled to and from Turkey on Saturday, was not planning to cancel or divert any of its services to Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and Izmir.
A spokesman said: “Given the military coup , we are liaising with the Turkish and British authorities. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.”
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Travel watchdog ABTA said it was liaising with the Foreign Office before deciding to issue further advice.
A spokesman said: “Media reports suggest that a Military Coup is taking place in Turkey.
“Until the exact details of the situation become clearer, ABTA recommends that members of the public read and follow the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice and any advice or instructions issued by their travel provider or airline.”
The Association of British Insurers urged those planning to travel to contact their tour operators, travel agents or airlines for advice.
They added: “If alternative arrangements are made you should be able to transfer your travel insurance to the new destination.
“You should regularly check Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice. Anyone in Turkey should speak to their tour operator or airline for advice.”
Turkey is a very big country and the popular beach resorts are between 350 and 500 miles from Istanbul and over 200 miles from Ankara.
But concerned tourists should keep an eye on the advice over the next few day.
ABTA has warned that you could be out of pocket it you choose to cancel your holiday while the advice remains the same.
Although some operators are offering refunds for this weekend's, it's unlikely you'll get you money back if your departure date is later than that.
A spokeswoman said: "At the moment the Foreign Office advice is that it is safe to travel. This means that if you cancel your holiday, you will be subject to the usual terms and conditions."
That could mean you lose as much as 100 per cent of the holiday cost.