Istanbul

Is Istanbul Airport turbulent?

Istanbul's new mega-airport sits north of the city on the Black Sea coast, exposed to weather systems from both the Mediterranean and continental Europe. Winter brings gusty winds and occasional snow, while summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly over the Anatolian plateau. The Bosphorus strait creates localized wind effects that can make approaches bumpy during strong weather patterns.

• Istanbul New Airport opened in 2019 as one of the world's largest
• The Black Sea location brings wetter, windier conditions than the old Ataturk airport
• Winter snowstorms occasionally disrupt operations

How does Istanbul's location affect flying?

Istanbul sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and weather systems from the Black Sea and Mediterranean. Cold fronts sweeping down from Russia clash with warmer Mediterranean air, producing winter storms. The city's position on the Bosphorus means winds can funnel through the strait, creating localized turbulence. The new airport's coastal location makes it more weather-exposed than the former city-center Ataturk airport.

When is the calmest time to fly from Istanbul?

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the most stable conditions. Summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms but generally provides good flying weather. Winter months (December-February) carry the highest risk of weather disruptions from cold fronts and occasional heavy snow.