The Turkish Presidency’s Center for Combating Disinformation has denied circulating claims that a Turkish Airlines passenger plane refused to land at Benina International Airport in Benghazi for fear of retaliatory actions following the incident involving the Libyan military delegation in Ankara.
The center explained in a statement published on the “In Social” platform that Turkish Airlines flight TK641, traveling from Istanbul to Benghazi on December 24, 2025, was diverted to Bodrum-Milas Airport due to wind speeds exceeding operational limits. It confirmed that flights to Libya continued normally in the following days without any interruption.
The statement warned against following rumors aimed at harming bilateral relations with Libya, describing those claims as media disinformation intended to create confusion.
Turkish Presidency’s Center for Combating Disinformation
The Turkish Presidency’s Center for Combating Disinformation was established in 2022 as a government body tasked with identifying and publicly refuting what it deems to be false information, particularly online. Its creation is part of a broader national effort to counter misinformation and foreign influence operations, operating under the Directorate of Communications of the Turkish presidency.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkey, founded in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft. It has grown into a major global airline, renowned for its extensive network and is a member of the Star Alliance.
Benina International Airport
Benina International Airport is the primary international airport serving Benghazi, Libya, located in the Benina district. It was originally built by Italian colonial authorities in the 1920s and was later expanded and modernized in the late 20th century, though it has suffered significant damage during periods of conflict in Libya since 2011.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a key trade and cultural hub since its founding as the Greek colony of Euesperides in the 6th century BC. It later served as a joint capital of Libya after independence and was a focal point of the 2011 uprising. The city is known for its coastal location and its role in Libya’s modern political developments.
Libyan military delegation
A Libyan military delegation typically refers to an official group representing Libya’s armed forces, which has been fragmented since the 2011 revolution and subsequent civil conflicts. These delegations often engage in national or international talks aimed at unification, ceasefire agreements, or security coordination amid the country’s ongoing political division.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, strategically located in the central Anatolia region. It was declared the capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, replacing Istanbul to symbolize the new, modern Republic of Turkey. The city’s history dates back millennia, with ancient sites like the Ankara Citadel and the Temple of Augustus and Rome reflecting its importance from the Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman periods.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles the Bosphorus Strait, historically serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires under the names Constantinople and Byzantium. Its rich history is visible in iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque, and the Topkapı Palace, the administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for centuries.
Bodrum-Milas Airport
Bodrum-Milas Airport, also known as Milas-Bodrum Airport, is a major international airport serving the Turkish resort towns of Bodrum and Milas. It opened in 1997 to accommodate the growing tourism traffic to the Aegean coast, replacing a smaller airfield. The airport is a key gateway for visitors to the historic Bodrum Peninsula, known for sites like the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution.
