Heavy rain and a storm that affected Istanbul last night disrupted air traffic. Planes attempting to land at both Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport had to circle in the air due to strong winds. Some planes had to bypass the runway, and radio communications between pilots and the control tower revealed the challenging moments faced during the storm.
“Windshear” Warning and Mandatory Go-Around
After a storm warning issued by the Turkish State Meteorological Service earlier in the day, winds picked up speed during the night, causing delays in air traffic. A plane approaching Sabiha Gökçen Airport issued a “windshear” warning, as the winds suddenly changed direction and intensified. This phenomenon, which involves sudden wind changes that can destabilize an aircraft during landing or takeoff, poses serious safety risks. As a result, the pilot decided to go around.
Pilot: “Fuel Is Approaching Critical Levels”
In another case, a plane circulating in the air informed the control tower via radio that its fuel levels were approaching critical levels. In such situations, planes are either given priority for landing or diverted to alternative airports.
Heavy Air Traffic
The storm caused air traffic around Istanbul Airport to become congested, with many planes waiting for an extended period to land. Sudden changes in wind speed during the descent made it more challenging for pilots to maneuver. Authorities stated that delays were managed in a controlled manner for safety reasons.
