KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-operated Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is playing a key role in the rescue efforts after a devastating earthquake hit southeast Turkey early Monday morning.
SAW was one of two airports designated by the Turkish government to serve as a rescue and logistics hub, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
"The General Aviation Terminal at SAW is currently being utilised as a crisis management centre with the airport providing all necessary support including food for the rescue team," MAHB said tonight.
MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said as the airport operator, it was giving its full commitment to facilitate all rescue flight and cargo operations passing through SAW.
The first rescue flight departed at 8.41am local time and since then, six other rescue flights had departed from SAW carrying a total of 1,400 rescue team members.
"We are also in close coordination with the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide additional help in the form of transit accommodation at SAW's Airport Hotel to 75 Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) personnel before their deployment to the affected areas," Iskandar Mizal said.
"We are equally devastated by this recent tragedy and extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy. We will continue to offer all possible assistance," he added.