A severe snowstorm battering Istanbul has brought air travel in the city to a standstill, with significant disruptions reported at both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport.

According to forecasts, the snowfall—expected to accumulate up to 40 centimeters in some areas—has forced the cancellation, delay, or rescheduling of hundreds of flights, impacting thousands of passengers.

Local sources reported that the intense weather conditions have paralyzed operations at the city’s major airports. Travelers can monitor the situation in real time at Istanbul Airport through live webcams available on the airport’s website.

In response to the crisis, Turkish Airlines (THY), the country’s flag carrier, announced the cancellation of numerous flights arriving at or departing from Istanbul over the next few days. The decision follows restrictions imposed by the Meteorological Emergency Commission (MADKOM), which issued warnings and guidelines to manage the extreme weather conditions.

Authorities are urging passengers to check with their airlines for updates and to avoid unnecessary travel to the airports until conditions improve. The snowfall, described as one of the heaviest in recent years, is expected to continue, exacerbating the challenges for both residents and travelers in Istanbul. (ILKHA)