# Turkey air ambulance operations and fleet expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-air-ambulance-operations
> Updated: 2026-09-05T08:09:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

In early August 2026, Turkey's Ministry of Health utilized helicopter and air ambulances to transport patients from remote or urgent situations to specialized facilities. On 6 August, a 78-year-old woman (N. K.) from Tokat and a five-month-old infant from Kulu were airlifted to Konya City Hospital for advanced oncology treatment and infant care, respectively.

Later that day, a 27-year-old assault victim from Kırklareli, suffering from skull fractures and intracranial bleeding, was transferred via air ambulance to Gazi University Hospital in Ankara. Following emergency surgery in Kırklareli, specialists identified a risk of permanent vision loss, necessitating the transfer. This operation was coordinated by the Kırklareli Command and Control Center and the Ankara Health Air Coordination Center.

By September 2026, officials highlighted the scale of the national emergency health fleet, which includes over 6,000 land ambulances, 7 sea ambulances, 15 helicopters, and 2 aircraft ambulances. Eray Çınar, General Director of Emergency Health Services, noted that air ambulances are specifically used for patients requiring advanced medical treatment unavailable in their local regions. The fleet is expected to expand by the end of the year with the addition of the domestic GÖKBEY helicopter.

## Claims

- A 27-year-old patient was injured in Kırklareli as a result of an assault. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The patient had skull fractures and intracranial bleeding. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The patient underwent neurosurgery at Kırklareli Education and Research Hospital. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Post‑operative assessment found a risk of permanent vision loss in one eye. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The patient was transferred to Gazi University Hospital in Ankara for advanced care. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The transfer was coordinated by the Kırklareli Command and Control Center and the Health Ministry Ankara Health Air Coordination Center. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The patient was moved by 112 emergency teams to Istanbul Atatürk Airport and then flown on a Health Ministry air ambulance to Ankara. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Multiple third‑level health centers in various provinces were contacted before Ankara accepted the patient. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Turkey expands emergency health services with GÖKBEY helicopter

Turkey's emergency health services operate 24/7 using over 6,000 land ambulances, 7 sea ambulances, and 17 air vehicles, with the domestic GÖKBEY helicopter expected to join the fleet by year-end.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-expands-emergency-health-services-with-gkbey-helicopter

### 2026-08-06: Turkey coordinates air ambulance transfer of severely injured Kırklareli patient to Ankara

A 27‑year‑old severely injured patient from Kırklareli was operated on and then air‑ambulanced to Gazi University Hospital in Ankara after coordinated effort by local emergency services and the Health Ministry.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-coordinates-air-ambulance-transfer-of-severely-injured-krklareli-patient-to-ankara

### 2026-08-06: Turkish helicopter ambulances transport patients to Konya for critical care

Helicopter ambulances in Turkey air‑lifted a Tokat cancer patient and a five‑month‑old infant to Konya for urgent treatment.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-helicopter-ambulances-transport-patients-to-konya-for-critical-care

---
Cite as: Turkey air ambulance operations and fleet expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-air-ambulance-operations