A powerful winter storm sweeping Turkey is bringing flight delays, road closures, and record-breaking snowfall in ski resorts, causing major disruptions for travelers.
The impact of the heavy snowstorm is being felt across multiple regions, from Istanbul’s airports to popular winter tourism destinations like Uludağ, Palandöken, and Kartalkaya.
Flights Delayed as Istanbul Struggles with Heavy Snow
The snowstorm severely affected Istanbul’s airports, with planes forced to circle above Sabiha Gökçen Airport due to poor runway conditions. The heavy snowfall reduced visibility, causing significant delays and forcing some flights to divert to alternative airports.
As the snowfall intensified on the evening of February 20, Sabiha Gökçen Airport had to temporarily suspend operations to allow runway and taxiway clearing. Snow removal vehicles worked extensively to remove ice and snow, ensuring the runway was safe for landings and takeoffs. During this period, several aircraft were left circling in holding patterns over Istanbul, awaiting clearance to land.
Widespread Flight Cancellations
Due to worsening weather conditions, authorities at Sabiha Gökçen Airport announced a significant increase in flight cancellations:
- February 20: An additional 15% of flights were canceled, on top of the previously planned 10% cancellation.
- February 21: Another 15% of flights were canceled, increasing the total cancellation rate to 30% for the day.
- February 22: Authorities announced that 30% of all flights would be canceled in anticipation of worsening snowfall.
In a statement, Sabiha Gökçen Airport officials confirmed that flight operations were temporarily halted for safety reasons. However, following successful runway clearing operations, the airport resumed flights once conditions improved.
Update (Feb. 20, 16:50 local time): Due to the expected adverse weather conditions in Istanbul, it has been announced that, in addition to the flight cancellations already made for tomorrow at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, 15% of the remaining flights and 10% of the flights on February 23 will also be canceled.
Despite these efforts, passengers continue to face delays, cancellations, and long wait times, as winter conditions remain unpredictable. Airport authorities advise travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and prepare for possible disruptions.
Ski Resorts See Unprecedented Snowfall
While the snowstorm has wreaked havoc on travel plans, it has also delivered dream conditions for skiers and snowboarders. Some of Turkey’s top ski resorts are reporting record snow depths, attracting winter sports enthusiasts looking to make the most of the fresh powder.
The latest snow depth reports from Turkey’s top ski destinations include:
- Palandöken – 161 cm
- Kartalkaya – 137 cm
- Nemrut – 135 cm
- Çambaşı – 128 cm
- Sarıkamış – 122 cm
- Uludağ – 120 cm
- Erciyes – 94 cm
At Uludağ, one of the country’s most popular ski resorts, the snow depth has reached 120 cm in the Oteller Bölgesi (Hotels district), with forecasts predicting continued snowfall through the weekend. In Palandöken, where the snow depth now exceeds 160 cm, temperatures are dropping as low as -9°C, creating perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Travel Warnings and Weather Alerts Issued
Authorities have issued urgent travel warnings, urging drivers to take precautions and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in northern Turkey. The provinces of Zonguldak, Düzce, Bartın, Kastamonu, Sinop, and Samsun are bracing for more than 20 cm of additional snow, with road conditions expected to worsen into the weekend.
The Turkish Meteorological Service has warned of:
- Heavy snow accumulation causing road closures and travel disruptions
- Icy roads and poor visibility, making driving conditions hazardous
- Potential avalanches in high-altitude regions
- Temperatures dropping below freezing in many parts of the country
In Istanbul, municipal teams have deployed snowplows and salt trucks to keep major roads open. However, with snowfall continuing, authorities recommend using public transportation instead of private vehicles.
More Snow on the Way
Meteorologists predict that the snowstorm will persist through the weekend, bringing subzero temperatures and further travel disruptions. While airports and highways remain on high alert, ski resorts are thriving, offering some of the best conditions in years for winter sports enthusiasts.
For those planning to travel in Turkey this week, it is highly recommended to check flight schedules, monitor road conditions, and prepare for potential delays. While Istanbul faces airport chaos, Turkey’s mountain resorts are experiencing a winter wonderland—perfect for those looking to embrace the snow.
Are you traveling in Turkey this week? Have you experienced delays, or are you enjoying the ski season? Share your experience in the comments!
