Pilot’s desperate call to land leaked as snowfall disrupts Istanbul flights

A leaked radio conversation has revealed the tense moments in Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport as pilots struggled to land amid heavy snowfall.

The harsh weather conditions caused significant flight disruptions, forcing aircraft to circle the skies due to snow-covered runways and taxiways. Some planes faced critical fuel shortages, leading to urgent pleas for immediate landing clearance.

Flights canceled as weather conditions worsen in Istanbul

The ongoing snowfall in Istanbul has caused substantial delays and cancellations at Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Officials announced that:

• 45% of scheduled flights for Feb. 21 were canceled
• 30% of flights are expected to be canceled on Feb. 22
• 10% of flights on Feb. 23 will also be affected

Ground crews have been working to clear runways and taxiways, but the persistent snowfall has made operations difficult. Planes unable to land were forced to remain in holding patterns, leading to increased fuel consumption. Some flights were redirected to alternative airports due to safety concerns.

Desperate radio transmissions between pilots and air traffic control

Tense radio communications between pilots and air traffic control revealed the gravity of the situation. One pilot, running low on fuel, urgently radioed the tower:

Pilot: “We have about 15 minutes of fuel left. What’s the latest situation?”

Control Tower: “Visibility is clear. Runway clearing continues. Braking vehicles are still in operation. As soon as the runway is ready, you are cleared for landing.”

Another exchange highlighted the increasing pressure:

Pilot: “We’ve been circling for 26 minutes. If we’re not cleared soon, we will have to divert. Can you confirm landing priority?”

Control Tower: “The runway should be cleared in 25 minutes. Given your current location, you should have enough time.”

Pilot: “That’s cutting it close. Holding a pattern burns more fuel. Requesting a faster approach if possible.”

As planes circled above, tension grew. One pilot insisted that waiting was no longer an option:

Pilot: “15 minutes left. We need to land soon. Can you confirm clearance?”

Feb. 21 update: Additional cancellations announced in Istanbul

With weather conditions continuing to disrupt flights, additional cancellations were announced for Feb. 21 and beyond.

The Meteorological Emergency Committee (MADKOM) at Sabiha Gokcen Airport revised its cancellation plans. In addition to previously announced cancellations, 15% of remaining flights on Feb. 21 and 10% of flights on Feb. 23 were also canceled.

Passengers are advised to check with airlines for real-time updates on their flights. Airlines, including Turkish Airlines, have urged travelers to verify their flight status online or through customer service channels.

Severe weather has affected travel across Istanbul, causing delays and road closures in addition to the disruptions at the airport. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and issue updates as necessary.