Heavy fog alert at Sabiha Gökçen: Flights delayed by 5 hours

Dense fog that was effective in Istanbul during the morning hours made air traffic difficult, particularly at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Due to reduced visibility, some aircraft were forced to circle in the air. Aircraft whose fuel levels reached critical levels had to be diverted to different airports.

29 AIRCRAFT DIVERTED

Due to the fog, 29 aircraft that could not land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport were diverted to Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport for safety reasons. While some of the aircraft waited in the air for a long time, those whose fuel levels reached critical levels were directed for emergency landings.

DEPARTURES ALSO DISRUPTED

Flights departing from Sabiha Gökçen Airport were also affected as much as arrivals and were carried out with delays. While major disruptions occurred in flight schedules, passengers had to wait in the terminal for a long time. After the dense fog showed its effect for approximately 5 hours, weather conditions began to return to normal around 08:30. From this time on, landings and takeoffs gradually returned to order. Airport authorities warned passengers to be careful against possible delays that may occur in foggy weather.

STATEMENT ISSUED

AJet Press Consultant Mehmet Yeşilkaya announced the disruptions caused by the fog in a statement on social media as follows:

'Due to heavy fog, there are cancellations and diversions to other airports in our flights arriving at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport.'