Flights, ferries canceled in Istanbul due to snow storm

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

AA File Photo

Heavy snowfall has severely affected transportation in Istanbul as flights and ferries were canceled and schools were closed by a snow storm that is expected to continue until late Jan. 19. 

Turkish Airlines announced on Jan. 18 that 399 domestic and international flights scheduled from Istanbul Atatürk Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport had been canceled due to the adverse weather conditions. 

Turkey’s low-cost Pegasus Airlines canceled more than 100 flights over Jan. 18 and 19 while Onur Air canceled ten flights scheduled for Jan. 18.

The snow also affected Istanbul’s maritime traffic as Istanbul’s Fast Ferry and Sea Bus Company (IDO) announced that its ferries between Istanbul and Bursa had been canceled for the day. 

Meanwhile, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality released a written statement noting its efforts to combat the snow, announcing that some 5,450 personnel and over a thousand vehicles were working to keep 4,000 kilometers of road open to traffic.

“The 52-kilometer long metrobus route remained functional with 32 vehicles operating along the line. The Istanbul Electricity, Tramway and Tunnel General Management introduced additional buses while the frequency of subway rides was also increased,” the statement said.

The provincial governor’s office announced school closures and advised people to use public transport instead of cars.      

Snow reached some 20 centimeters deep in Tuzla on the Asian side of the city.      

The snow is expected to continue falling until Jan. 19 night, according to Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology.