Ebola not as bad as it looks: Turkish Airlines CEO

ISTANBUL

Transport Minister Lütfi Elvan (L) and THY CEO Temel Kotil speak to media after a meeting of aviation leaders in Istanbul. AA Photo

The Ebola virus is “not as bad as it looks,” Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil said on Oct. 17 after a meeting of aviation leaders in Istanbul.

“It is not as bad as it looks. Of course, God forbid, it kills when it infects. But this happens at the last stage,” Kotil said, emphasizing that he was in contact with people who had traveled from the affected parts of Africa.

“Heath checks are being conducted at airports for those coming from Africa. Measures are taken on planes. I hope the cure will be found soon,” he added.

His remarks came as he answered questions with Transport Minister Lütfi Elvan following an Association of European Airlines summit held at Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace.

Elvan said flights to and from Africa would not be limited as all necessary precautions have been taken by the ministry and airlines.