Turkish Airlines has previously explained that it failed to deliver passenger luggage on several Moscow-bound flights because it was compelled to fully fuel aircraft due to persistent airspace issues around airports.
Photo: Marina Lystseva/TASS
Russian tourists are reporting significant issues with Turkish Airlines, as many found themselves without their baggage upon arrival from Turkey. Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg has recorded approximately 350 claims for undelivered luggage from Antalya, Turkey, since July 20th. Moscow`s airports are experiencing a similar problem.
A Moscow resident named Galina described how her luggage was simply not loaded onto her flight from Turkey. She shared her experience:
«At Vnukovo, we were told that the luggage hadn`t been loaded onto the plane. They handed out forms for luggage return, with options for `personal pickup` or `delivery required.` Six of us were flying, but the luggage was only tagged for four people. They said it would be delivered within 24 hours, as Turkish Airlines usually delivers quite quickly, and to expect a call. This was at Vnukovo.»
«So, when you arrived and realized your luggage wasn`t there, what changed from that moment?»
«Nothing, they haven`t called yet. But they did say that, in principle, Turkish Airlines delivers quickly. Several flights departed one after another: at 7:40, 7:35, and even earlier. For the 7:40 flight, no luggage was loaded at all. At the Antalya airport itself, there`s such chaos that they`re barely coping, unable to get back on schedule due to delays.»
Rosaviatsiya, Russia`s Federal Air Transport Agency, previously announced that it is preparing a formal notification to Turkish Airlines` management regarding the unacceptable violations of passenger rights due to flight delays or cancellations. The agency`s statement also indicated that «the possibility of reducing the number of flights operated by the Turkish carrier is being discussed.»
Earlier this summer, Turkish Airlines had failed to deliver passenger baggage on several flights to Moscow, explaining this was due to the need to fill aircraft with the maximum amount of fuel.
