Snow blankets Turkey's Istanbul, airport to remain closed

Gulf Today Report

The suspension of flight operations at Turkey's Istanbul Airport was extended on Tuesday due to heavy snowfall, while winter weather snarled transport across the city, home to about 16 million people.

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"The suspension of flight operations have been extended until 1000 GMT on Jan 25 due to adverse weather conditions," the Istanbul Airport said on its website.

Local residents are stuck in their cars due to heavy snowfall in Istanbul on Monday. AFP

A severe snowstorm disrupted road and air traffic on Monday in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul.

Turkish authorities declared administrative leave for all public institution personnel on Tuesday to decrease mobility.

Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said on Twitter that private vehicles will not be allowed on the roads until 1000 GMT while emergency teams continue to clean the roads.

Footage shared by the governor showed trucks and cars stranded in the snow.

A local resident walks in the snow near the Ottoman-era Mecidiye Mosque in Istanbul on Monday. AFP

Authorities in Turkey's Istanbul, a metropolis of 16 million people, suspended intercity bus services and temporarily blocked travel to the city from Turkey’s Thrace region. People stranded on roads abandoned vehicles to walk home or crowded subway and other public transportation. Schools across Turkey are closed for a winter break, but universities halted classes for two days. Public offices and shopping malls closed early.

Flights in and out of Istanbul Airport were suspended until 4am on Tuesday. Authorities worked to clear runways and a road leading to the airport, where the roof of a facility used by Turkish Airlines’ cargo department collapsed from the weight of snow. No one was hurt.

Flurries were forecast to continue over the next few days in Istanbul and Greece.