Snowfall grips Istanbul, causing flight cancellations and delays
The image shows a close-up of an airport flight information display board, indicating flight delays and cancellations. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Snowfall in Istanbul since the early hours of the morning on Tuesday led to the cancellation of numerous flights.
The snow, which began early in the morning on the European side of the city, intensified in higher areas, particularly impacting districts such as Beylikduzu, Silivri, Buyukcekmece, and Arnavutkoy during the morning hours.
According to an announcement from Turkish Airport Management and Aviation Industries (HEAS), due to adverse weather conditions expected in Istanbul, 5% of flights scheduled for Tuesday and 10% of flights on Wednesday at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) have been canceled.
“All passengers are advised to check the latest status of their flights through the respective airline’s website and customer service centers,” HEAS stated on Monday.
Meanwhile, in Istanbul, schools have been suspended in the districts of Arnavutkoy, Esenyurt, Avcilar, and Basaksehir due to adverse weather and heavy snowfall.
Snowfall grips Istanbul: Latest weather forecasts
According to the Meteorological Service, heavy snowfall is expected in northwestern Istanbul, northeastern Tekirdag, and eastern Kirklareli starting in the evening. Snowfall is forecasted to accumulate between 5-10 centimeters (2-4 inches) in lower areas and up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in higher elevations.
Authorities have urged residents to be cautious and take necessary precautions against possible transport disruptions, ice formation, and freezing conditions.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) announced that intense snowfall is expected to affect the city on Wednesday.
According to AKOM’s latest weather report, snowfall is predicted to begin at 7 a.m. in Basaksehir, Buyukcekmece, Arnavutkoy, Silivri, and Catalca on the European side. By midday, heavy snowfall is also expected in Sile, Kartal, Pendik, and Tuzla on the Asian side.
The statement noted that the city is under the influence of a cold front originating from Siberia. Following the snowfall, temperatures are expected to range between 3 and 6 degrees Celsius, with an increased risk of freezing and ice formation during nighttime hours.
