- Wildfires continue for a second day in Izmir, driven by high winds and dry conditions.
- Thousands of firefighters and aircraft are deployed to contain the blaze.
- Flights at Izmir’s main airport were suspended, sparking concern among travellers.
Fierce wildfires have engulfed large swathes of Türkiye’s western Izmir province for a second straight day, prompting evacuations in multiple rural communities.
The crisis has had significant knock-on effects for transportation, particularly air travel. Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport was forced to suspend all flights on Sunday afternoon due to low visibility and hazardous conditions.
Raging Wildfires Force Village Evacuations and Airport Closures in Western Türkiye
Türkiye has faced an alarming increase in wildfires over recent years, and experts point to rising global temperatures and severe drought as major contributing factors. The region’s dry vegetation and high summer heat create the perfect storm for blazes to ignite and spread quickly, especially when strong winds are involved.
Emergency services have mobilized extensive resources, including 10 helicopters, multiple aircraft, and dozens of fire engines, to fight the flames from both air and ground. Volunteers and local farmers have joined the response, using tractors and water tanks to protect their homes and fields.
The impact on tourism—a key part of Türkiye’s economy—is significant. British holidaymakers, in particular, have expressed concerns, as Izmir is a popular summer destination. Travel companies are closely monitoring the situation, with some offering flexible bookings or alternative destinations to affected customers.
Authorities are urging residents and tourists in the region to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through official updates. While some flights have resumed, delays are ongoing, and health officials warn about deteriorating air quality in fire-affected zones, especially for vulnerable populations.
The wildfires in Izmir underline the urgent need for climate resilience and coordinated disaster response, especially in high-risk regions like Türkiye’s Aegean coast.
“Climate change isn’t something in the future—it’s happening now, and wildfires are its loudest alarm.” – Anonymous Environmental Scientist
