The Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia are actively working to resolve the situation regarding refusals by Turkish Airlines to allow Russians on transit flights to Latin America, according to the Press Secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov.
“The problem primarily lies with the Turkish side. Here, without waiting for contacts at the highest level, our diplomatic agency is very actively engaged, our government is actively engaged, tirelessly emphasizing the unacceptability of such a situation for us, for Russian citizens. Our embassy in Ankara is working,” Peskov told journalists, commenting on the situation.
He was asked if the President of Russia plans to discuss this issue with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We have very constructive and friendly relations with the Turkish side. We will use these relations to solve the problems that unfortunately inevitably arise,” said the Kremlin representative.
He emphasized that “the friendly nature of the relations (with Turkey) allows us to count on the resolution of all such issues.”
As reported, there have been increasing cases recently, including for Russian citizens, of refusals to board Turkish Airlines flights during transit through Istanbul to countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and several others). The Russian Consulate General in Istanbul clarified that for successful boarding on these flights, passengers need to have a single/through booking reference for the round-trip ticket (for example, Moscow – Istanbul – Sao Paulo – Istanbul – Moscow). Also required are confirmation of hotel reservation, no differences between flight dates and hotel booking dates, presence of not only carry-on luggage but also checked baggage, credit cards, and cash.
