On the afternoon of June 29, 2025, Turkey's Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir was forced to ground all flights as a fierce wildfire raged out of control, disrupting travel and sparking emergency responses across the region. The blaze, which erupted on the borders of the Menderes and Seferihisar districts, led to the suspension and cancellation of all departures and arrivals at the airport, creating chaos for passengers and airlines alike.
The airport's departure board showed a stark picture—flights scheduled for that evening were either suspended or cancelled. Among the affected was a Sun Express Airlines flight due to leave London Stansted at 7:20 PM local time (5:20 PM British Summer Time), as well as flights heading to Istanbul, Copenhagen, Cologne, and Sofia. Arrival flights faced similar disruptions, with cancellations and suspensions impacting both domestic flights from various parts of Turkey and international flights from Newcastle, Brussels, and Dublin.
Some inbound flights were diverted to nearby airports, according to Turkiye Today. Officials conveyed that operations at Adnan Menderes Airport were expected to resume only once the wildfire was brought under control. The airport itself confirmed the temporary closure, citing not only the fire but also adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, as reasons for the shutdown.
An airport spokesperson explained, "Due to the forest fire in İzmir’s Gaziemir district and adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport was temporarily closed to air traffic as of 16:00 local time. Some incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports during the closure. Following the NOTAM [notice to airmen], the runway has reopened and the first flight, PC 1864 to Ercan, has successfully departed at 21:50 local time. Flight operations are gradually returning to normal." Indeed, just before 10 PM local time, flights began slowly resuming, offering some relief to stranded travelers.
The wildfire itself posed a formidable challenge to emergency services. Images captured in the area revealed towering flames engulfing the landscape as the fire spread rapidly. Firefighting teams, including two planes, one helicopter, three water tenders, and a water supply vehicle from the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry, were deployed to combat the blaze. They were supported by the municipal fire brigade, working tirelessly both from the air and on the ground to contain the inferno.
While the exact cause of the wildfire remains unknown, it is part of a troubling pattern of fires sweeping Turkey this summer. The General Directorate of Forestry reported at least eight major fires between June 24 and June 25 alone, many linked to agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, or other human-related causes. One of the most severe fires ignited on June 25 at 12:30 PM in a forested area of Izmir's Aliağa district. Fueled by strong winds, the flames spread quickly, threatening residential zones and prompting urgent evacuations.
Indeed, the recent spate of wildfires in the Izmir region has led to significant displacement. Over the weekend of June 28-29, 455 families were evacuated from areas on the outskirts of Izmir after another wildfire rapidly spread to forested regions. Earlier fires in the week also caused travel disruptions, forced evacuations, and triggered broad emergency responses across the area.
The current wildfire that grounded flights at Adnan Menderes Airport adds to the mounting pressure on firefighting resources and local authorities. The airport, serving as a vital gateway to the coastal city of Izmir—a popular tourist hotspot—found itself at the heart of the crisis. The sudden suspension of flights affected both tourists and locals, underscoring the wildfire's far-reaching impact on daily life and commerce.
As emergency crews continue battling the blaze, the situation remains fluid. Officials have urged caution and patience, emphasizing that flight operations will only fully resume once safety can be assured. The disruption at Adnan Menderes Airport highlights the growing challenges posed by wildfires in Turkey, exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds.
For now, travelers affected by the cancellations and diversions face uncertainty, while firefighters remain on the front lines, racing against time to bring the fire under control. The coming days will be critical in determining the wildfire's trajectory and the pace at which normalcy can return to Izmir’s skies.
