20.02.2025 21:00
Due to the increasing snowfall in Istanbul, there have been disruptions in flights at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Meanwhile, radio communications between the pilots of the planes unable to land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the control tower have emerged. One pilot's statement to the tower, "We have about 15 minutes of fuel left," drew attention.
Due to the snowfall, it was noted that during the conversation between the pilot of the plane that could not land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the control tower, the pilot said, "We have about 15 minutes of fuel left."
While flight operations at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, affected by the ongoing snowfall in Istanbul, faced disruptions; due to the snowplows working on the runway and taxiways, arriving flights at Sabiha Gökçen Airport had to circle in the air.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN PILOTS AND THE CONTROL TOWER REVEALED
While planes waiting for the runway to open had to circle in the air, some planes experienced fuel issues. The radio communications between the pilots and the control tower regarding fuel calculations were revealed. Here are those conversations:
Tower: Runway work will take another 15 minutes. For your information.
Pilot: We can land within 15 minutes. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, we will head to Ankara. For your information.
Tower: It will be finished within 15 minutes. I will give you ILS. You can land as 15 plus 6 or 7.
Pilot: Understood. Then we will inform you of our decision. Okay.
WE HAVE 15 MINUTES OF FUEL LEFT
Pilot: We have 26 minutes of holding fuel. Can you bring us closer in the 26th minute?
Tower: Sir, they will be off the runway in about 25 minutes. Depending on your location, if the runway is open, I can take you directly. However, you will have about 5-6 minutes from our current position to land. Have you calculated that?
Pilot: This 26 minutes is currently our holding time. We are naturally including that in our calculations.
Tower: The last information I received is that they need about 24-25 minutes. I will notify you if there is any new information.
Pilot: We request to hold on the left. Going and coming will cost us more fuel.
Tower: Understood, continue to hold at your location.
Pilot: We have about 15 minutes of fuel left. What is the latest situation?
Tower: Visibility is clear, runway clearing is ongoing. From what I see on the screen, the braking vehicles have entered. When the runway opens, continue in the direction I indicated to land directly.
NEARLY HALF OF THE FLIGHTS WERE CANCELED
On the other hand, it was announced in a statement from Sabiha Gökçen Airport that 45% of the flights planned for February 21 were canceled. Additionally, it was learned that 30% of the flights were canceled on February 22, and 10% on February 23.