Turkish Airlines had previously stated that undelivered baggage on several flights to Moscow was due to the necessity of maximizing fuel load, a measure attributed to persistent issues in the airspace above airports.
Russian tourists are encountering widespread issues with Turkish Airlines, reporting significant luggage delays upon their arrival from Turkey. Pulkovo Airport alone has registered approximately 350 claims for undelivered baggage from Antalya since July 20th, with similar problems being observed at airports across Moscow.
Galina, a resident of Moscow, shared her experience with Business FM, recounting that her luggage was simply not loaded onto her flight from Turkey. She provided the following details about the situation:
— At Vnukovo Airport, we were informed that our luggage had not been loaded onto the plane. Passengers were provided with forms for baggage retrieval, offering options for either personal pickup or home delivery. We were a group of six travelers, but the luggage was ultimately tagged for only four people. We were assured that delivery would occur within 24 hours, with the promise that Turkish Airlines typically delivers quickly and that we would receive a call. This was the information provided at Vnukovo.
— So, when you arrived, you realized your luggage hadn`t arrived. What has transpired since that moment?
— Nothing, they haven`t called yet. However, they did mention that Turkish Airlines generally delivers promptly. Several flights were arriving in quick succession: at 7:40 AM, 7:35 AM, and an earlier one. For the 7:40 AM flight, absolutely no luggage was loaded. The situation at Antalya Airport itself is incredibly chaotic, and staff are barely coping, struggling to return to schedule due to persistent delays.
Russia`s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) had previously announced its intention to send a formal notification to Turkish Airlines` management, addressing the unacceptable violations of passenger rights stemming from flight delays or cancellations. The agency`s statement indicated that “the possibility of reducing the number of flights operated by the Turkish carrier is being discussed.”
Earlier this summer, Turkish Airlines had attributed previous instances of undelivered baggage for Moscow-bound passengers to the operational necessity of fully fueling aircraft.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth