Turkish Airlines Flight Aborts Tunisia Landing Three Times Amid Storm, Passengers Panic
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A Turkish Airlines flight bound for Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) from Istanbul encountered severe weather conditions and failed three landing attempts before successfully diverting to an alternate airport on September 10, 2026. The incident, captured on video by passenger Marina Maiskaya and shared on social media, showed the aircraft experiencing violent turbulence that left passengers screaming in panic. The flight ultimately landed safely at Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE), prompting applause from those on board.
Key Points
- Turkish Airlines Flight TK659 departed Istanbul on Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the journey proceeding smoothly until approach to Tunis-Carthage International Airport
- Upon arriving at Tunis-Carthage Airport, the aircraft encountered rapidly deteriorating weather conditions including a violent storm that severely impacted visibility and landing conditions
- The pilots made three unsuccessful landing attempts, with each approach triggering intense aircraft shaking; the third attempt caused a sudden free-fall drop that terrified passengers
- Passenger Marina Maiskaya filmed the terrifying experience showing herself gripping seat armrests with a flushed face while screams echoed throughout the cabin; passengers reportedly shouted "We are going to die!"
- After three failed attempts, the pilots wisely decided to divert to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE), located approximately 96 kilometers south of Tunis, where the aircraft touched down safely
- Upon landing, relieved passengers burst into applause for the crew; Maiskaya expressed that their survival might be attributed to the skill of Turkish Airlines pilots
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the critical decision-making ability of experienced pilots who must balance passenger expectations with safety imperatives when weather conditions become dangerous. The event also highlights how social media enables real-time documentation of aviation emergencies, providing valuable footage for safety reviews while simultaneously demonstrating the psychological impact of flight emergencies on passengers. For travelers, the incident serves as a reminder that flight diversions, while stressful, represent a standard safety procedure designed to protect lives rather than an indication of actual danger.
This incident underscores the critical decision-making ability of experienced pilots who must balance passenger expectations with safety imperatives when weather conditions become dangerous. The event also highlights how social media enables real-time documentation of aviation emergencies, providing valuable footage for safety reviews while simultaneously demonstrating the psychological impact of flight emergencies on passengers. For travelers, the incident serves as a reminder that flight diversions, while stressful, represent a standard safety procedure designed to protect lives rather than an indication of actual danger.