27.01.2025 15:30
The unidentified traffic that pilots have been seeing on radar for the past two days has alarmed authorities. Some pilots using Sabiha Gökçen Airport initiated a large-scale investigation in the area after receiving traffic alerts on their aircraft's radar. Those moments were reflected in radio communications.
Pilots using Sabiha Gökçen Airport received a traffic warning on the aircraft's radar. Following this, the pilots who received the traffic warning reported it to the air traffic controller. After the pilots' warning, checks conducted at sea, in the air, and on land could not determine what caused the traffic warning seen in the system.
COAST GUARD CONDUCTED A SEARCH IN THE AREA
Upon the suggestion that the traffic warning issued by the pilots could have originated from a ship or a drone at sea, the Coast Guard General Directorate and other teams conducted a search in the areas. No negative findings were encountered during the searches.
IT ALSO REFLECTED IN RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
The cause of the traffic warning seen on the radar over the weekend has not yet been clarified. Those moments were recorded in radio communications.
Pilot: "We received a traffic warning at around 300 feet on final approach, it could be a drone or another aircraft. Just for your information."
Tower: "Sir, all aircraft have given this warning since this morning. It has been reported to the authorities, and searches are being conducted from the sea as well. However, it has not been found."
Tower: "Sir, we have been dealing with this for 2.5 hours, and many traffic alerts were issued before you, we also informed the coast guard. We suspect it is likely from a ship over the sea."
Tower: "By the way, for your information, previous traffic reported a traffic alarm that they suspect came from a ship, approximately 2.5 miles from the approach path to the airport. Could you please report the situation after observing it?"
Pilot: "We see a descending traffic 500 feet below us, which is also seen as an unidentified traffic. It is currently 5 miles ahead of us, we are tracking a traffic 5 miles away. We had received this warning on our previous flight as well."