Sabiha Gokcen Airport to cancel flights amid severe weather forecast in Istanbul
Turkish Airlines performs anti-icing (de-icing) on its fleet to ensure flight safety against winter weather conditions, Istanbul, Türkiye, March 10, 2022. (AA Photo)
Due to expected severe weather in Istanbul, Sabiha Gokceen International Airport announced that 10% of flights will be canceled on Thursday, February 20, and 15% on Friday, February 21.
The Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Ground Authority (HEAS) issued a statement, noting that the Meteorological Emergency Committee had made the decision based on forecasted adverse weather.
“With the decision of the Meteorological Emergency Committee, 10 % of the flights on February 20 and 15 % of the flights on February 21 will be canceled due to the expected adverse weather conditions at Sabiha Gokcen Airport,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, passengers are urged to check the latest flight updates with their respective airlines or call centers.
Severe weather conditions to hit Istanbul
The Turkish Meteorological Service predicts that Istanbul will experience snow starting Wednesday, February 19, continuing through Friday, February 21. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly, reaching 0°C (32°F), with snow particularly affecting northern districts.
Rain, which has been ongoing in the city, is expected to intensify from Sunday evening until Monday, transitioning to sleet on Tuesday before snow becomes widespread in higher elevations.
Meanwhile, Meteorology Professor Dr. Orhan Sen warned that snowfall could reach up to 10 centimeters, potentially disrupting transportation and daily life. He advised Istanbul residents to prepare for adverse conditions, particularly as snowfall is expected to worsen traffic from Thursday onward.
You can check out the map below for all districts of Istanbul and their expected weather conditions:
Istanbul Governor Gul warns of severe weather
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul also issued a warning on Tuesday regarding the weather forecast.
Sharing on his social media account, Governor Gul stated that adverse weather conditions are expected in the city on February 19-21.
“It is important to avoid traffic unless it is compulsory, to use winter tires on vehicles, to take precautions against icing and frost, and to prefer public transportation,” he added.
Governor Gul emphasized that citizens should follow official announcements from the Istanbul Governorship, the General Directorate of Meteorology, and other relevant authorities for updates.
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