
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
- Coronavirus (CoV) is part of a family of viruses that usually cause the common cold.
- There are four different types of virus in this family (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta), that can cause conditions ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS – CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, SARS-CoV).
- For more detailed answers to any questions you may have, visit the Turkish Ministry of Health website.
WHAT IS THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS?
- Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus that was first identified on January 13, 2020, as a result of research conducted in a group of patients who developed respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in Wuhan, China, in late December.
- For more detailed answers to any questions you may have, visit the Turkish Ministry of Health website.
ABOUT PCR TESTS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PCR test?


A PCR test is a diagnostic test and shows the RNA of the Coronavirus.
Where can I take a PCR test? Which hospitals offer PCR testing?


You can access website for the COVID-19 authorized diagnostic laboratories at https://covid19.saglik.gov.tr/TR,68720/covid-19-yetkilenenilmis-tani-laboratuvarlari-listesi.html. For more detailed answers to any questions you may have, visit the Turkish Ministry of Health
Can I take a PCR test at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?


Passengers travelling abroad can take a PCR test on the arrivals floor of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, next to Acıbadem clinic. Test results for passengers travelling abroad from Türkiye will be examined in the laboratory inside the terminal and notified of their results within 5 hours at the latest. The centre was established by the General Directorate of Public Health,and began 24/7 service at the airport on July 21st.Passengers wishing to take the test should apply to the airport centre with documents such as tickets, education certificates or invitations certifying that they will go abroad and deposit the fee into the account of the General Directorate of Public Health.
Are PCR tests required to fly?


Rules on PCR testing vary from contry to country. Please click for detailed information about each country's acceptance rules.
ABOUT OUR FLIGHTS
Frequently Asked Questions
How are aircraft being cleaned differently?


To ensure everyone has a healthy and hygienic journey, we disinfect our planes every 24 hours with cleaning agents that are effective against viruses for 48 hours. We disinfect all trays between each flight with the same cleaning agent. Detailed information can be found here.
Why are middle seats not being left empty?


Changing the cabin seating arrangement is not mandatory under the circular issued by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.Likewise, this has not been implemented by all airlines around the world. Leaving the middle seat empty does not provide additional protection to other measures taken. In the management of our flights throughout the pandemic, we have taken all measures to ensure that passengers fly in the healthiest and safest way possible.Please take some time to watch our video explaining all the measures we take, from the airport to landing.
Do passengers have to wear masks and gloves during flights?


There is no obligation to wear a mask during the flight.
ABOUT TICKETING PROCESSES
Frequently Asked Questions
I cancelled my ticket before the flight was cancelled. Am I entitled to a refund?


There is no right to a refund for tickets that are cancelled before the cancellation of the flight.
My PCR test was positive. What are my rights in regard to my ticket? What should I do?


If passengers receive a positve PCR test result, are entitled to a full refund or may make their ticket open-ended. For these ticketing procedures, you need to create a request from the Contact Us section of our website and submit documentation relating to your positive PCR test result.
I do not comply with my destination's entry requirements. What are my rights regarding my ticket? What should I do?


For detailed information about your rights regarding your ticket, please contact our call center on 0888 228 12 12.
I am in quarantine. What are my rights regarding my ticket? What should I do?


You must submit documents showing that you are in quarantine to us at /en/write-to-us/changes-and-cancellations. When we receive your documents, we will get in touch with you.