Istanbul Airport Prepares for Winter Season

Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s most important global transfer hubs, shared the precautions it has taken for the winter season. Mehmet Buyukkaytan, Deputy General Manager of Operations at Istanbul Airport, emphasized that they are ready for all challenging weather conditions. He highlighted that the Airside Operations Directorate personnel responsible for snow fighting receive 7,000 hours of “combat with difficult climate conditions” training each year and shared details about the vehicles to be used in snow and ice fighting. Buyukkaytan emphasized that the 404 personnel in the Airside Operations Directorate are ready for instant intervention with the 179 vehicles this year, and underlined that the maintenance and repairs of the vehicle fleet are regularly carried out.

According to Eurocontrol’s data between December 2-8, Istanbul Airport, which hosts 1352 flights per day and is the busiest airport in Europe, Mehmet Buyukkaytan, Deputy General Manager of Operations, stated, “As Istanbul Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe hosting the most flights, our priority is always safety. Therefore, like all other measures, we take precautions against mandatory situations brought by weather conditions, intense snow and ice, and make our preparations. Our expert staff is equipped with up-to-date information on instant intervention with recurring training every year. Additionally, we approach the maintenance of our vehicle fleet for snow and ice fighting with sensitivity, and as this year, we are adding new vehicles to our fleet when necessary. Ensuring the safe and comfortable transportation of our guests to their loved ones is very important to us at Istanbul Airport.”