International travelers happy to return to Houston from Istanbul without incident

HOUSTON – As passengers streamed in from Turkish Airlines Flight 33, relief, hugs, and even some tears occurred at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Just hours before it happened, these travelers were processed through the very same terminal in Istanbul where Tuesday's deadly terrorist attack took place.

"Those last two hours seemed like forever," says passenger Bianca Dela Vega. "But we're glad we're home and we're safe."

Passengers learned of the attack in the air just two hours before they landed. Some did not know and were surprised when they touched down. Others were able to watch the news on smartphones and other devices in midair.

"It was scary to know because watching the videos, we were in that gate," says Dela Vega. "We were there just waiting for our flight."

Many, like Nick Hansen, are seasoned international travelers and say despite the potential danger, it's important to not let terrorists deter through fear.

"If you're constantly living in fear about everything, then that's exactly what they want," says Hansen.

The Federal Aviation Administration had grounded all U.S flights to and from Istanbul, but allowed flights to resume shortly after 9 p.m. Texas time.


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