On June 29, 2025, a devastating series of wildfires erupted across the Izmir province in western Turkey, igniting a crisis that has severely disrupted travel, endangered communities, and mobilized a massive firefighting effort. The blazes, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, forced the temporary closure of Adnan Menderes Airport, one of Turkey's major gateways, grounding flights and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The fires began in the districts of Gaziemir, Menderes, and Seferihisar, rapidly spreading through forests and residential neighborhoods, including the popular tourist resort of Foça. Photos and videos from the scene showed towering flames and thick plumes of smoke blanketing the skies over Izmir, painting an apocalyptic scene as flames consumed vast areas.
Adnan Menderes Airport, serving the vibrant coastal city known for its ancient sites like Ephesus, bustling bazaars, and scenic Aegean coastline, was forced to suspend all take-offs and landings from 4:00pm local time. 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.” Incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports, and many scheduled departures were either cancelled or delayed by hours, with some delays extending into the following day.
Among the cancelled flights were routes to major European cities, including a Sun Express Airlines flight to London Stansted delayed by 21 hours, now set for 7:30pm on June 30, and an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin cancelled outright. Other affected destinations included Hanover, Cologne, Trabzon, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Sofia, Brussels, Newcastle, and Ankara. The disruptions have left many passengers stranded, grappling with uncertainty as flights slowly resumed late into the evening.
The scale of the firefighting operation has been immense. Over 625 personnel, six helicopters, 46 fire engines, nine bulldozers, and thirteen water supply vehicles have been deployed to battle the flames. Firefighters have been working tirelessly for more than 22 hours, combating the blaze both from the air and on the ground. Planes were even seen dumping large quantities of water over the infernos in a desperate attempt to control the spread.
Evacuations were widespread. Approximately 550 residents were forced to leave their homes in Ilıpınar, Foça, encompassing two neighborhoods and four villages. Local residents watched in horror as their homes, cars, and surrounding forests were engulfed by fire. Four firefighters suffered smoke poisoning, with two requiring hospitalization.
Adding to the tension, an unidentified man was arrested on suspicion of arson. Turkey's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated the suspect allegedly started the fire intentionally with gasoline by setting his own house ablaze. However, preliminary investigations also suggest that a high-voltage power line may have contributed to igniting the inferno, underscoring the complex and multifaceted causes behind the disaster.
Governor Süleyman Elban of Izmir province issued a stern warning to residents, emphasizing the precarious conditions. “We expect the next four or five days to be very hot, with strong winds and low humidity. These conditions are perfect for a fire. Everyone's life is at stake. We must all be extremely cautious,” he said, highlighting the ongoing risk of further outbreaks.
The wildfires in Izmir are part of a broader pattern of fires sweeping Turkey this summer. Earlier in the week, the General Directorate of Forestry reported at least eight significant fires across the country between June 24 and June 29, many linked to human activities such as agricultural practices and improper waste disposal. Regions including Kahramanmaraş, Bursa, Sakarya, Bilecik, Gaziantep, Bolu, and Manisa have all experienced blazes, with Bilecik suffering destruction of 23 houses and 47 units in three villages, and Manisa seeing evacuations of four villages and two neighborhoods.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı noted, “Nine major fires broke out in İzmir, Denizli, Aydın and Manisa. The fire in Manisa started again due to wind. Four villages and two neighborhoods were evacuated due to the fire.” This widespread emergency response underscores the escalating threat posed by the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and human factors.
The current crisis follows a particularly harsh year for Turkey, which endured severe wildfires last August after recording its hottest July in 53 years, with temperatures soaring to 45.9°C in Şırnak. As Turkey battles these tinder-dry conditions, Europe also faces a major heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 42°C, raising concerns about increased fire risks across the continent.
Despite the chaos, firefighting teams remain resolute. Local fire departments, supported by heavy machinery and tankers, are working around the clock in close collaboration with national forestry services. Their efforts have gradually allowed the reopening of the airport runway, with the first post-closure flight departing at 9:50pm local time. Flight operations are cautiously returning to normal, though significant delays and cancellations persist.
The disruption has sent ripples through the travel industry and local economy, impacting tourists and residents alike. Izmir’s appeal as a tourist destination for its rich history and natural beauty now stands challenged by the immediate threat of wildfires and the resulting travel upheaval.
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to urge vigilance, calling on the public to avoid activities that could spark further fires, especially during periods of high heat and strong winds. The message is clear: safeguarding lives and property requires collective responsibility amid an increasingly volatile climate.
