Istanbul transport, schools affected by heavy snowfall

ISTANBUL (AVRUPA TIMES) Heavy snowfall and poor weather conditions disrupted air and sea travel in Istanbul on Monday and led to school closures.

Turkish Airlines reported 399 domestic and international flights from Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen airports had been cancelled for two days due to severe conditions.

Pegasus Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights over Monday and Tuesday while Onur Air cancelled ten on Monday.

Ferry and inter-city sea-bus services were also affected by rough sea conditions. Istanbul’s Fast Ferry and Sea Bus Company announced the cancellation of inter-city services until Thursday.

The provincial governor’s office announced school closures and advised people to use public transport instead of cars.

Snow was 20 centimeters (8 inches) deep in Tuzla on the Asian side of the city.

The snow is expected to continue falling until Tuesday night, according to Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology.