After a violent coup attempt by the military in Turkey left at least 194 people dead and 1,440 wounded, the FAA has banned all flights between the U.S. and Turkish airports.
The travel ban has left many stranded in Turkey amid the unrest, and several worried and frustrated loved ones in Chicago and across the United States.
Zulfiqar Ali spent most of Saturday at O'Hare International Airport, trying to help his wife stranded in Turkey make her way home to Chicago.
"She came from Pakistan, it was a connecting flight from Istanbul to Chicago," Ali said. "First the flight was delayed, now it's canceled."
Ali's wife is stuck at the airport in Istanbul, he said, and she cannot walk. She's currently without her wheelchair or her cell phone, which deeply concerns the family.
"We are so worried about her safety. She is traveling for the first time," Ali said.
Outside the Turkish Consulate in Chicago, people demonstrated, holding up signs in support of Turkey's government and democracy.
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"It was really heartbreaking, because Turkey is kind of like that peaceful country, accepting Syrians, accepting refugees," said demonstrator Selma Demir. "For that to happen is really, really mindblowing."
Those in Turkey said things have slowed since the failed coup, but the uncertainty remains.
"It is very calm here now," said Tayfur Yuncuoglu, who is visiting family in Turkey for a month with his wife. "Not many people on the streets."
But Yuncuoglu said even though the coup failed, he is still worried, despite being in Ankara, four hours from Istanbul.
"We are going to stay in and stay at home. You do not know what's going to happen."
It's unclear when the travel ban be lifted, as the FAA said federal officials are monitoring the situation and will update the restrictions as the situation evolves.
