Ash clouds will also affect Turkey

Transportation Minister Binali Yıldırım said because of the ash clouds rising from the volcano in Iceland, certain flights from Istanbul and Antalya were cancelled.

Minister Yıldırım said due to flight security concerns 11 countries have closed their airports. He said this situation has also affected flights from Turkey, mostly from Istanbul and Antalya to European destinations.

Yıldırım said "For instance, 50 flights from Antalya to Europe were cancelled yesterday (Friday). We had the same problem in Istanbul and in other airports. We are continuing to show our hospitality to our guests struck in the airports. This is an unavoidable setback; there is nothing we can do."

Minister Yıldırım said he believes the problem will not turn into a long-term hassle.