Turkish Airlines cancels dozens of flights after weather mayhem in Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Thousands of passengers faced long waits at both Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports following the flight cancelations. AA Photo

Turkish Airlines canceled dozens of flights on the morning of Aug. 8 following a heavy storm with torrential rains in Istanbul and its environs that had disrupted air traffic a day earlier.

The flights were canceled due to operational reasons, airline officials said, as thousands of passengers faced long waits at both Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen airports.

Company officials also said they had drafted in bigger planes for domestic flights to cope with the “domino effect” of the cancelations.

“We urge our passengers to get informed and get updates about their flights by checking our website or calling our call center,” officials said.

Turkish Airlines canceled 64 flights on Aug. 7 alone. Torrential rain left hundreds of homes flooded, caused power blackouts and disrupted public transport in the city with scenes that have become familiar in the city with every bout of stormy weather.