- Flight Disruptions
- Istanbul’s IST and SAW record 151 delays and 7 cancellations; multiple airlines affected
Istanbul’s IST and SAW record 151 delays and 7 cancellations; multiple airlines affected
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 26, 2026
158
Affected flights
2
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Flight operations in Istanbul were disrupted with a combined 151 delays and 7 cancellations across Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Pegasus recorded 5 cancellations and 55 delays at SAW, while Iran National Airlines Corp. accounted for 2 cancellations at IST. Other affected carriers included Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, AJet, FlyDubai, and Azimuth. Airports and airlines reported efforts to reduce waiting times and stabilize operations.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Flight schedules at Istanbul’s two major airports experienced widespread disruption, with delays and cancellations reported across multiple airlines. Operations at Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) were affected, prompting timetable adjustments for passengers and carriers.
IST: 77 delays and 2 cancellations
SAW: 74 delays and 5 cancellations
Airline-level impacts were uneven across the two airports. Pegasus Airlines saw the most disruption at SAW, with 5 flight cancellations and a further 55 delays. At IST, Iran National Airlines Corp. accounted for both recorded cancellations at that airport.
Pegasus Airlines: 5 cancellations and 55 delays at SAW
Iran National Airlines Corp.: 2 cancellations at IST
Other airlines with timing adjustments: Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, AJet, FlyDubai, Azimuth
Although the disruptions formed a limited share of daily operations, passengers encountered timetable changes and potential knock-on effects to connections and ground transport. Airport operators and airline partners indicated efforts to minimize waiting times and re-balance schedules to restore normal operations.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
158
Airlines affected
Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Ajet, Flydubai, Azimuth Airlines
Airports affected
Istanbul Havalimani Airport, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen
Cities affected
Istanbul
Countries affected
Turkey, Türkiye
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
March 26, 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
