Istanbul braces for severe snowfall: Hundreds of flights canceled

Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has announced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in Istanbul due to an impending severe weather system.
From February 19 to 21, both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport will see significant flight reductions due to expected snowfall, storms, and icing risks.
At Istanbul Airport, capacity will be reduced by up to 15% on Wednesday, February 19, and by 20% on Friday, February 21. This adjustment translates to approximately 150 flight cancellations on Wednesday and around 200 on Friday, affecting Turkish Airlines' operations, which typically runs about 1,000 flights daily.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport will also face cancellations, with 10% of flights canceled on Thursday, February 20, and 15% on Friday, February 21, following a decision by the airport's Meteorological Emergency Committee. Pegasus Airlines has canceled 46 flights, and Ajet has canceled 22 flights. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
The Turkish Meteorological Service forecasts that snow will start in Istanbul from Wednesday, continuing through Friday. Temperatures are expected to plummet to around 0 degrees Celsius, with significant snowfall particularly in the northern districts. Weather conditions are expected to transition from rain to sleet and then heavy snow, which could accumulate up to 10 centimeters in some areas. (ILKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Turkish Coast Guard teams saved 20 irregular migrants, including three children, from a stranded rubber boat off the coast of Bodrum in Muğla province.
In an address following a Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to national unity, regional stability, and the fight against separatist terrorism.
The leader of Türkiye’s Free Cause Party (HÜDA PAR), Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu, has met with Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, to discuss the formation of a new parliamentary commission focused on an emerging legislative initiative.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a telephone conversation with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa of the Syrian Arab Republic on Thursday, focusing on the escalating situation in Syria following recent Israeli airstrikes.