A Turkish Airlines (THY) flight scheduled to operate the Muş–Ankara route, with DEVA Party Chairperson Ali Babacan among its passengers, was involved in an unfortunate incident prior to take-off.
The aircraft, which was scheduled to depart at 16:50, sustained damage while preparing for departure when a ground service stair vehicle collided with it. The impact caused significant deformation to the aircraft’s wing, resulting in the cancellation of the flight. Following the incident, passengers were returned to the terminal. It was reported that Ali Babacan would travel to Ankara via a connecting flight through Istanbul.
Commenting on the incident, DEVA Party Secretary General İdris Şahin shared the following message on social media:
“Never say never. A stair vehicle hit the aircraft. The flight carrying Mr Babacan has been cancelled. Wishing a speedy recovery to our Party Leader and all passengers.”
Ömer Şahin, Babacan’s press advisor, who shared footage of the incident on social media, described the moment as follows:
“While we were waiting for take-off, there was a sudden jolt. One of the flight attendants said, ‘I think it was an earthquake.’ It was later discovered that a stair vehicle had struck the aircraft’s wing. The flight was cancelled and we are still waiting.”
As of now, no official statement has been made by Turkish Airlines or airport authorities regarding the incident.
