Flights, ferries cancelled in Istanbul due to strong southwesterly winds

Strong southwesterly winds started to blow in Istanbul as of late Monday, causing disruptions to flight and ferry services.

Turkish Airlines cancelled 63 domestic and international flights that were scheduled to take off from Istanbul's Atatürk Airport for Tuesday and Wednesday, in addition to 37 flights cancelled earlier, as the airport is located on the northern shore of the Marmara Sea and subject to high winds blowing from the south. Passengers are advised to check the company website or call +90 444 0 849 call center prior to their flights to obtain information about their status.

Istanbul City Lines, Istanbul Sea Buses (İDO) and Bursa Sea Buses (BUDO) cancelled all ferry services in the Marmara Sea and outer Bosporus until further notice, while Bosporus ferry services continue with delays. Ferry services in the Dardanelles (Çanakkale) Strait were also cancelled.

A main seaside road in Istanbul's Tophane district was closed to traffic for hours when scaffolding at a construction site collapsed on the road due to winds.

Experts and authorities issued warnings of potential carbon monoxide poisoning in the western and northwestern areas of Turkey and urged caution when using stoves and boilers.

The sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and higher air temperature may also cause headaches and exhaustion.