Türkiye in Travel Conundrum as Airports in Istanbul Face 151 Delays and 7 Flight Cancellations by Iran National, Pegasus Airlines and others, New Update

Published on February 26, 2026

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Navigating the bustling skies over Türkiye requires both patience and a keen eye on the latest flight boards. Today, travelers through Istanbul are experiencing a series of minor logistical shifts. Recent data confirms that 151 delays and 7 cancellations have impacted schedules at the city’s major hubs. While these figures represent a small fraction of total daily traffic, the effects are certainly felt on the ground. Pegasus Airlines currently faces the most significant adjustments at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Consequently, many passengers are recalculating their arrival times and hotel transfers. Despite these interruptions, the overall flow of travel remains steady. Authorities are working diligently to minimize further wait times for visitors. This report examines the specific data behind these delays. It provides a clear roadmap for anyone currently transiting through this vital global gateway.

Major Airports Affected

The interruptions have been concentrated at the two primary air hubs serving Türkiye: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).

At Istanbul Airport, the day’s operations were marked by 77 delays and 2 total cancellations. Despite these figures, the facility, which serves as a critical bridge for transcontinental travel, continues to manage a vast majority of its departures and arrivals on schedule.

Simultaneously, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, located on the city’s Anatolian side, reported 74 delays and 5 cancellations. This airport is a major focal point for low-cost carriers and regional travel within Türkiye, making the delays particularly impactful for short-haul and domestic commuters.

Impacted Airlines

According to the latest operational reports, the brunt of the cancellations and delays has been borne by specific carriers. At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International, Pegasus Airlines has been identified as the most affected operator. The airline recorded 5 cancellations and 55 delays today, representing a significant portion of the total disruptions at the terminal.

At the main Istanbul Airport, the disruptions were largely linked to Iran National Airlines Corp., which accounted for both of the reported cancellations at that site. No delays were attributed to the carrier at this specific hub, suggesting a targeted adjustment of their flight schedule for the day.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, AJet, FlyDubai, Azimuth and more. While other airlines operating in Türkiye have experienced minor timing shifts, the overall statistics are dominated by the aforementioned carriers.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

Istanbul remains one of the world’s most visited destinations and any fluctuation in flight reliability can have a ripple effect on the local tourism economy. With 151 delays and 7 cancellations, a segment of the traveling public has experienced late arrivals at hotels and missed local tours.

However, given the scale of travel in Türkiye, these figures are categorized as a minor interruption. The hospitality sector in Istanbul is historically resilient to such fluctuations. Most travelers arriving behind schedule are expected to be accommodated by local businesses, though the congestion at airport terminals may lead to a temporary increase in the use of city transit and shuttle services as passengers navigate the revised timelines.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently navigating the disruption in Istanbul, several professional protocols are recommended by aviation experts. Passengers are advised to:

• Verify Flight Status: Before departing for the airport, travelers should utilize official mobile applications or websites to confirm the estimated time of departure for their specific flight.
• Coordinate with Airlines: For those flying with Pegasus Airlines or Iran National Airlines Corp., direct communication with the carrier is essential for rebooking or claiming necessary assistance.
• Review Passenger Rights: Under the aviation regulations of Türkiye, passengers may be entitled to refreshments, communication facilities, or even accommodation depending on the duration of the delay and the distance of the flight.
• Monitor Ground Transport: With delays shifting arrival times, travelers are encouraged to update their ground transportation or hotel transfer services to ensure a smooth transition into Istanbul upon landing.

As the day progresses, airport operations are expected to stabilize. Both major hubs in Türkiye remain fully operational and the authorities continue to prioritize the safety and efficiency of global travel.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.