A subscriber’s experience of traveling through Turkey
We were supposed to arrive at Sabiha airport, as our connection was scheduled there. However, the aircraft was diverted to another airport in Istanbul, which immediately disrupted the entire travel chain.
After landing, serious issues began with transit. Passengers were unable to pass passport control efficiently — there were long queues, confusion, and no clear organization. We were only allowed through after requesting assistance twice.
Checked baggage was not transferred automatically — we had to wait about 5 hours to receive our luggage. During this time, there was no clear information on what to do next or how to reach the connecting flight.
It also became clear that flights from Sabiha were being cancelled, meaning we would not have made our connection anyway. Despite this, passengers were sent by bus to Sabiha, and even getting onto the bus required standing in long lines and insisting at the help desks.
At Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the situation was even more difficult:
— severe overcrowding
— queues of 300–500 people at each service desk
— lack of clear information
— staff unable to provide concrete solutions
Many passengers found themselves in similar situations. People were traveling from different countries to destinations such as Antalya, Prague, Rome, and others. Due to weather conditions (including fog), cancellations, and rerouting, many ended up in Istanbul first, then had to travel by bus to Sabiha and wait there for further decisions.
For some, delays reached one or even two days. We personally witnessed dozens of cancelled flights and more than 15 flights redirected from another airport.
The airline app was not functioning properly — bookings were stuck in the system, making it impossible to process changes. Many passengers were already considering purchasing new tickets at their own expense.
No meals or hotel accommodation were provided, despite the extended delays.
In our case, our booking was also stuck. Only after long queues and repeated attempts to get assistance were we able to rebook onto the nearest available flight.
The official reason for many disruptions was weather conditions, including fog. However, on-site the main issue was the lack of organization and clear communication.
Separately, regarding the regional situation:
On March 30, 2026, reports stated that a ballistic missile launched from Iran toward southern Turkey was intercepted by air defense systems (including NATO).
This was at least the fourth such incident during March. Earlier interceptions were reported earlier in the month. Exact locations were not disclosed, but the incidents were said to occur over southern regions of Turkey where military facilities and air defense systems are located.
Official reports indicate:
— all missiles were intercepted
— no damage or casualties on the ground
— no direct threat to civilians was declared
These events are not directly linked to the flight disruptions, but they occur against a backdrop of regional tension, adding to the overall instability.
Conclusion: travel remains possible, but currently requires extra time, patience, and readiness for sudden route changes.
