Turkish Airlines Lost My Cat During a Flight and Still Has No Explanation

On August 31, 2025, my spouse and I traveled with our four cats on a Turkish Airlines (THY) flight from Tunis–Carthage International Airport to Ankara Esenboğa Airport via Istanbul. During the trip, two of our cats (Bambam and Poko) traveled in the cabin, while the other two (Tekila and Momo) traveled in the aircraft’s cargo hold. We paid the required fees, completed all necessary documentation, and ensured that all health checks were carried out.

Before the cats traveling in the cargo hold were accepted for transport, their carriers were sealed with plastic zip ties on all sides, and photos were taken of the sealed carriers. When we arrived in Ankara, Momo was delivered to us in a replacement carrier provided by Turkish Airlines because Momo’s original carrier had been cracked.

However, our other cat, Tekila, was not delivered to us, and Tekila’s transport carrier was also not returned. A lost baggage report was filed regarding this situation. During and after the flight, we were repeatedly informed that our cat would be delivered to us the next day.

Approximately 20 hours after the flight, the Turkish Airlines Manager in Tunisia sent us a WhatsApp message stating that Tekila’s carrier had arrived empty and that the cat had “escaped.” In the photo sent by that individual, it is clearly visible that one of the plastic zip ties sealing Tekila’s carrier was missing. However, Turkish Airlines has never explained how that plastic seal disappeared.

Fifty-three days after the incident, in their first written response providing any explanation, Turkish Airlines stated that they had no camera footage or report to share regarding how the cat went missing. At the same time, they offered us business class tickets as compensation.

In their subsequent responses, Turkish Airlines stated that the cat had been searched for but could not be found, that the matter falls under the responsibility of ground handling services, and that Turkish Airlines had committed no negligence or violation. However, despite claiming that no negligence occurred, Turkish Airlines has not provided any report, search plan, camera footage, or verifiable investigation results to support this claim.

Furthermore, Tekila’s transport carrier, which is an important piece of physical evidence, has still not been returned to us even months after the incident.

We are currently submitting applications to the relevant administrative, criminal, and civil authorities. We have not received any information indicating that an official investigation has been opened regarding Turkish Airlines’ conduct.

Photos related to the incident are attached. Our goal is to clarify the circumstances that led to our cat’s disappearance and to ensure that any potential negligence or violations in the air transportation of animals are officially investigated.