The state-run carrier is believed to have accused the fired employees of having links with the Islamic transnational Gulen movement.

Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen is in self-imposed exile in the United States.

The sacked Turkish Airlines workers include management and cabin crew, the Independent reported.

Dismissals reportedly took place late on Sunday after it was decided that the employees were linked to a religious movement which President Erdogan claims was behind efforts to overthrow the government two weeks ago.

An official at Turkish Airlines had declined to comment, the Independent said.

Other reports said the dismissals were down to “inefficiency”.

Financial Turkish news website Thelira.com has reportedly said some 250-cabin crew have been dismissed, along with 100 management and administrative staff.

Meanwhile other news outlets suggested said a deputy chief executive responsible for the airline’s financial affairs was among those let go.

In total some 60,000 people throughout the country, largely from the public sector, have been sacked, suspended or detained following the failed military coup.