Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) July 2025 Operational Report

Flight Activity Overview

Total Departing Flights: 10,889

Year-over-Year Change in Departing Flights: 5.38%

In July 2025, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport handled 10,889 departures, a year‑over‑year change of 5.38% as carriers optimized capacity for peak summer travel. Growth was led by domestic Turkey and short‑haul European demand, with schedule densification on high‑frequency markets serving the Asian‑side catchment of Istanbul.

On-Time Performance and Cancellations

Departure On-Time Performance: 57.03%

Year-over-Year Change in OTP: 48.70%

Cancelled Flights: 109

Year-over-Year Change in Cancellations: -49.54%

Departure punctuality averaged 57.03% (a year‑over‑year change of 48.70%), influenced by afternoon convection over the Marmara region, air‑traffic flow programs, and ground‑handling constraints. Cancelled departures totaled 109 (-49.54% YoY), easing severe disruptions for most travelers; adding a modest buffer still helps on busy weekends.

Airlines Serving Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Pegasus Airlines leads the schedule alongside AJet and selected European and Middle Eastern carriers. The network concentrates on dense domestic corridors and short‑/medium‑haul leisure and VFR markets across Europe and the Gulf, complementing Istanbul’s broader multi‑airport system.

Outlook

Over the next 4–8 weeks, schedules at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport should remain broadly steady with departure punctuality fluctuating near current levels; late‑day thunderstorms and Friday–Sunday peaks may still trigger localized delays. Passengers should favor morning departures, allow 60–90 minutes of buffer for security and connections on peak days, and monitor real‑time gate and weather alerts via the NextFly App.