Sofia Airport Heightens Security Measures After Ataturk Airport Attack

The security measures at Sofia airport have been heightened in view of the terrorist attack which targeted Ataturk airport in Istanbul late on Tuesday.

The simultaneous gunfire and bomb attacks claimed the lives of at least 36 people and left 147 other injured.

According to reports, three suicide bombers started shooting with automatic rifles at passengers before blowing themselves up.

The attacks occurred at the parking lot and at the entrance to the arrivals section of the international terminal.

There were likely foreigners among the victims. So far, authorities have not informed of any Bulgarians injured or killed in the attack.

Turkish authorities have pointed to Islamic State (IS) as the suspected perpetrator of the attack.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan condemned the attack and vowed to continue the fight against terrorism

In the aftermath of the attack the airport was closed for several hours and flights were diverted. Flight were resumed on Wednesday, but passengers are still experiencing serious delays.

Two Turkish Airlines flights between Sofia and Istanbul were cancelled on Wednesday, namely the one scheduled to arrive in Sofia at 9:05 o'clock (EET), the one departing for Istanbul at 10 o'clock (EET).

On the road to terminals, a gendarmerie vehicle is stopping suspicious vehicles for inspection and heightened police presence is expected.

There is no information on whether there will be changes to evening flights. All other flights through Sofia airport are operating according to schedule.

Late on Tuesday, Air France airplane bound for Istanbul performed emergency landing in Sofia.

On the order of Transport Minister Ivaylo Moskovski, the airports in Sofia, Varna and Burgas have readiness to service up to 32 diverted planes depending on their type and category.

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