Adverse weather conditions disrupted air traffic in Istanbul on Tuesday, forcing 46 flights to divert to alternative airports after strong winds and wind shear affected operations at the city's two international airports.

In a written statement, Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure said 43 aircraft were unable to land at Istanbul Airport, while three flights scheduled to land at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport were also diverted due to severe weather conditions.

Flights diverted to domestic and international airports

According to the ministry, 39 of the 43 flights diverted from Istanbul Airport were redirected to airports within Türkiye, while four landed at international destinations.

Among the domestic airports, 16 flights were diverted to Ankara Esenboğa Airport, 10 to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport, eight to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, two each to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport and Çanakkale Airport, and one to Antalya Airport.

International diversions included two flights to Burgas, one to Tehran, and one to Athens.

With the additional three flights diverted from Sabiha Gökçen to Ankara, Esenboğa Airport accommodated a total of 19 diverted aircraft during the disruption.

Operations resumed after temporary suspension

The ministry said temporary operational restrictions were imposed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport due to strong winds and wind shear, a sudden change in wind speed or direction that can affect aircraft during take-off and landing.

Departures from the airport were suspended at 21:42 local time, while three arriving aircraft were redirected to Ankara.

Flight operations resumed at 22:02, after weather conditions improved and safety assessments were completed.

Authorities said the diversions were implemented as precautionary measures to ensure flight safety, adding that operations at both airports continue to be monitored in line with weather conditions.(ILKHA)