Commercial aircraft faced challenging landings at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport on January 8, 2026, as powerful crosswinds from a lodos storm battered the runway. Pilots reported sustained winds exceeding 50 knots, forcing multiple go-arounds before securing safe touchdowns.

A Pegasus Airlines Boeing 737 was among the aircraft navigating the turbulent conditions, executing repeated approaches to counteract the strong southerly gale. Video footage captured pilots crabbing into the wind and performing precise alignment maneuvers to maintain runway centerline during final approach, demonstrating advanced handling techniques in severe conditions.

The lodos, a warm winter wind known for sudden gusts across the Marmara region, routinely disrupts air and ground transport in Istanbul. While previous storms in December 2025 caused widespread flight delays, today’s operations recorded no cancellations or injuries, highlighting both pilot skill and airport preparedness.

Experts note that crosswind training is critical for commercial flight safety, with studies by aviation authorities showing that proper techniques can reduce landing incidents by up to 40 percent in gusty conditions. The events at Sabiha Gökçen illustrate the importance of rigorous pilot training and adherence to safety protocols when confronting extreme weather.

Air traffic controllers and airport personnel maintained continuous coordination with flight crews, ensuring runway conditions were monitored and approaches timed to maximize safety. Passengers experienced brief delays and airborne holding patterns, but the overall response prevented any major disruption to operations.

The lodos storm is expected to persist across Istanbul for the remainder of the day, prompting continued caution among aviation operators and travelers in the region.