A powerful snowstorm is set to blanket Istanbul, bringing widespread travel disruptions, flight cancellations, and road closures.
Authorities have implemented extraordinary measures to minimize the impact, as snowfall is expected to last for a week, with accumulations reaching up to 40 centimeters in some areas.
Flight Cancellations and Airport Disruptions in Istanbul
As the winter storm intensifies, Istanbul’s two main airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, have taken steps to reduce flight capacity and cancel flights in anticipation of heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
At Istanbul Airport:
It was decided to reduce capacity by up to 15 percent on Wednesday, February 19, and by 20 percent on Friday, February 21. Considering that Turkish Airlines operates an average of 1,000 flights per day, it is anticipated that approximately 150 flights will be canceled on February 19, 2025, and approximately 200 flights will be canceled on February 21, 2025. These numbers will become definite according to current and updated meteorological conditions.
At Sabiha Gokcen Airport:
It has been assessed that flight cancellations are not necessary for flights on Wednesday, February 19th.
The flights on Thursday, February 20th have been evaluated and it has been decided to cancel 10% of the flights for the entire day as a precaution. In this context, it has been decided to cancel 46 flights by Pegasus and 22 flights by Ajet.
The flights on Friday, February 21st have been evaluated and it has been decided to cancel 15% of the flights for the related day as a precaution, and within this scope, Pegasus will cancel 68 flights and Ajet will cancel 34 flights.
Update: Due to the snowfall expected to last 3 days in Istanbul, it was reported that the decision to reduce flights for Sabiha Gökçen International Airport taken on February 18 was revised and 30 percent of the flights on February 22 were canceled.
To ensure operational efficiency during the storm, flight crews’ schedules have been adjusted, and additional personnel have been placed on standby to manage unforeseen disruptions.
Authorities Warn Citizens to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
With heavy snowfall expected to continue intermittently until February 24, the Istanbul Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) and the Governorship of Istanbul have urged citizens to take extra precautions. The Istanbul Disaster Response Plan (TAMP) has been activated, ensuring 24/7 emergency coordination across 39 districts.
Authorities have advised residents to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel and use public transportation instead of private vehicles.
- Ensure vehicles are equipped with snow tires to prevent accidents.
- Expect delays and cancellations for sea and air transportation.
To reduce traffic congestion, private sector employers have been encouraged to adjust work schedules based on weather conditions.
Emergency Response and Citywide Preparations
In addition to travel restrictions, Istanbul’s emergency response teams have been mobilized to keep roads and infrastructure operational during the storm. The General Directorate of Highways, municipal teams, and private highway operators will conduct continuous snow-clearing operations, focusing on highways, bridges, viaducts, and major roads.
Security teams will monitor vehicles for compliance with winter tire regulations, and designated vehicle storage areas along highways will be used for stranded or high-tonnage vehicles.
For vulnerable individuals, the governorship has taken steps to protect the homeless, ensuring they are provided with temporary shelter throughout the storm. Citizens have been urged to report any individuals in need to emergency services at 112.
To prevent infrastructure failures, intervention teams for electricity, water, and natural gas services have been increased, ensuring rapid response to potential outages. Emergency health services have also been reinforced to handle urgent medical needs during the severe weather.
Impact on Daily Life
Public institutions, including schools and workplaces, are closely monitoring the situation. Authorities have warned that disruptions to daily life, including power outages and supply chain delays, may occur as the storm progresses.
Residents have received SMS alerts from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), warning them of the approaching storm and advising them to take necessary precautions.
As Istanbul faces a week of intense winter weather, officials continue to closely monitor conditions, urging citizens to stay informed and prioritize safety.
Photo Credit: AA
