Turkish Airlines has fired 211 employees alleged to have links with the failed coup, which took place on 15 and 16 July.

More than 60,000 people across Turkey, mainly public-sector employees have been fired following the failed coup, accused of having links to a religious group led by Islamic preacher, Fethullah Gulen and his movement, FETÖ.

In a statement on its website, Turkish Airlines says: “Active as of 22nd July 2016, contracts are cancelled given the nonfulfillment of performance criterion and in line with the necessary actions we are taking against the FETÖ structure, attitudes and behaviour conflicting with the interest of our country and company.”

“As Turkish Airlines, united with all of the heroic and honourable Turkish people in extraordinary efforts, we have acknowledged our responsibility to terminate the malevolent illegal attempt. Under any circumstances, we have and will continue to fulfill our responsibility to contribute to democracy.”