Passengers were put up in nearby hotels following the diversion
SunExpress launched its route from Liverpool to Antalya earlier this year(Image: SunExpress)
A flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Turkey was diverted last night after a “technical issue”. A plane from Sun Express, flight number XQ567, was due to leave Speke at 6.30pm yesterday evening and arrive in Antalya, the fifth largest city in Turkey, at 11.35pm local time.
However, according to FlightRadar, the plane did not leave until 8.05pm and it was then diverted to Dusseldorf in Germany. A video seen by the ECHO showed the plane being met by a fleet of fire engines on the runway. Passengers and their bags were offloaded and put up in nearby hotels.
A spokesperson for John Lennon Airport told the ECHO the plane was late in departing from Liverpool. When contacted for comment, SunExpress said the flight was diverted because of a “suspected technical issue”.
A spokesperson for SunExpress said: “Our flight XQ567, which departed from Liverpool to Antalya on June 13, 2025, was diverted to Dusseldorf as a precaution due to a suspected technical issue related to the aircraft’s generator.
“The aircraft landed safely at Dusseldorf Airport and was where it was given a thorough technical inspection. Due to night flight restrictions at Düsseldorf Airport, alternative flights were arranged for passengers today (June 14, 2025).
“All affected passengers were accommodated at a nearby hotel. At SunExpress, the safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority.”
SunExpress launched its route from Liverpool to Antalya earlier this year. The company joined Jet2 and easyJet in flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Atyalya.
About Antalya, the airport said: “Known as the eastern gateway to the Turquoise Coast, Antalya offers an alluring mix of the modern and ancient.
“All this is set amid stunning natural surroundings – from golden sun-kissed beaches, to verdant forests and towering mountains.”
Tobias Bracht, head of sales at SunExpress, said: “We are delighted to expand our UK network with the launch of this new route from Liverpool to Antalya.
“As an airline committed to connecting our passengers and their loved ones to their dream destinations, we are confident that this service will offer those in the North West a convenient and high-quality travel experience to visit the incredible Turkish Riviera.
“Antalya is a world-class destination renowned for its breathtaking coastline, rich history, and exceptional hospitality, and we are excited to make it even more accessible.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard and providing them with our signature warm service throughout the summer season and beyond.
“Antalya is a world-class destination renowned for its breathtaking coastline, rich history, and exceptional hospitality, and we are excited to make it even more accessible.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard and providing them with our signature warm service throughout the summer season and beyond.”