Uncertainty in Turkey affecting those flying out of LAX

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A plane from Turkey arrived at Los Angeles International Airport Friday night, and many of the passengers were finding out about the unrest when they touched down.

It was a night of flight delays and worries for travelers at LAX trying to get to Turkey.

Eren Betin said he wants to get home to Istanbul but decided to change his plans after friends told him about the attempted coup.

"I don't know what to think right now it's a really stressful moment. I think I'm going to cancel and wait for another two days...80 percent of them told me not to come back right now, wait for a few days," he said.

There was gunfire and chaos in the streets, along with huge crowds gathering after the Turkish military tried to seize control. Dozens of people were killed, but some Turkish citizens said they're not sure if it was an attempted coup.

"Some people think it is the military taking over, but most people think it is the president trying to create a chaotic environment to change the system and take all the power to himself," said Turkish citizen Beyza Sahin.

People arriving in L.A. on a delayed flight from Istanbul said their flight took off before the trouble started.

"We got on the flight in Istanbul about 6 p.m., and they didn't say anything the entire flight on our way back, so we've landed to a bunch of messages with people actually asking if we're OK or not," said LAX traveler Orna Thevoul.

President Erdogan said he planned to have Ataturk Airport in Istanbul secured and open as soon as possible.

Just over two weeks ago, three terrorists attacked the airport with guns and bombs. More than 40 people were killed and nearly 200 injured, but Erdogan had the place cleaned up and reopened the very next day, saying Turkey was open for business and tourism.