THY plane returns for wanted passenger

A Turkish Airlines (THY) plane operating the Ercan-Istanbul flight returned to Ercan Airport shortly after takeoff following information that a wanted passenger was on board. The wanted passenger was taken into custody by police.

After the TK-691 flight from Ercan to Istanbul took off, Northern Cyprus police determined that a wanted individual was on the passenger manifest. Consequently, the police contacted the air traffic control tower and requested that the plane be turned back.

During an announcement to inform the passengers, the THY pilot stated that there was a technical issue, that they would be returning to Ercan Airport, and that a security check would be conducted after landing. The plane landed at Ercan Airport shortly thereafter without incident.

Police teams boarded the aircraft, removed the wanted passenger, and took them into custody. Following the removal of the passenger, the Ercan-Istanbul flight continued with a delay.