The security level at the Vancouver International Airport has been increased in light of the deadly attacks at Istanbul’s busy Ataturk Airport on Tuesday.
YVR officials say the measure was necessary to ensure a safe and secure airport for travellers, visitors and employees.
They say the response involves a multi-layered strategy, but due to security reasons the airport is not sharing these details.
At this time, there is no impacts to flights.
“The safety and security of airport visitors and employees is our top priority,” airport officials told Global News in a statement. “We are monitoring the situation in Istanbul and maintain a heightened level of vigilance present at the airport. We work with the RCMP, Transport Canada and all of our partners to ensure a safe experience at YVR.”
Tuesday’s deadly suicide attacks at the Ataturk Airport killed 41 people and wounded scores of others.
Turkish officials say the massacre was most likely the work of the Islamic State group. Authorities are going through surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to establish a preliminary timeline and details.
READ MORE: Istanbul airport attack: Suspected ISIS bombers kill dozens
Turkish authorities said early Wednesday morning that air traffic at the Ataturk Airport had returned to normal and the flights had resumed.
Canada has condemned the attacks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter his “thoughts and prayers” are with the victims as “we stand with our allies against terrorism.”
READ MORE: Justin Trudeau condemns Istanbul airport attack
The devastation at Istanbul’s airport follows the March attack on the Brussels airport, where two suicide bombings ripped through check-in counters, killing 16 people. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for that attack, as well as a subsequent explosion at a Brussels subway station that killed 16 more people.
-with files from the Associated Press
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