Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

LTFJ / SAW

Pendik, Istanbul, TR

Last Updated
Jul 4, 11:20Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 22 min ago
11:20Z

☀️ Day
IFR
Flight Rules
22°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 21°C
14 kt
30°
4.4 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1013 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LTFJ 041120Z 03014KT 4400 TSRA SCT018CB SCT025 22/21 Q1013 RETSRA BECMG TL1150 9999 NSW

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 312 ft
SCT 1,800 ft AGL (CB)
SCT 2,500 ft AGL
SCT (CB)
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
1,800 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,112 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
2,500 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,812 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

IFR

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with scattered clouds at 1,800 feet and 4.4 km visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the north-northeast (30°) at 14 knots. Runway 06L/24R is favored with a 12-knot headwind and 7-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is reduced to 4.4 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: scattered at 1,800 ft (CB), scattered at 2,500 ft. Caution: cumulonimbus (thunderstorm) clouds reported at 1,800 ft AGL, indicating convective activity in the area.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 22°C (72°F) with a dewpoint of 21°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Thunderstorm Rain, Heavy Thunderstorm Rain. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 2 to 15 knots. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Thunderstorm Rain between 06:00Z and 10:00Z. Temporary IFR conditions are forecast with Heavy Thunderstorm Rain between 10:00Z and 14:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1013 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1003 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (312 ft)
Pressure Alt
320 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,235 ft
ISA Deviation: +7.6°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF LTFJ 040440Z 0406/0506 VRB02KT 9999 SCT035 TEMPO 0406/0410 33012KT 3200 TSRA SCT018CB BKN030 TEMPO 0410/0414 01015G25KT 2500 +TSRA SCT018CB BKN030 BECMG 0414/0416 03013KT BECMG 0420/0424 03003KT CAVOK
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
11:42Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 2 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
14:00Z BECMG
+3h
VFR 30° 13 kt
20:00Z BECMG
+9h
VFR 30° 3 kt
Visibility: >10km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
TFJ
06L
24R
06R ✈️
24L

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
06L/24R 9,843 ft 148 ft CON 64°
11.6 kt 7.8 kt
34° angle
✈️ 06R/24L
Active: 06R
11,614 ft 197 ft CON
12.1 kt 7.0 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - LTFJ

25,313 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
78.2%
MVFR
13.8%
IFR
5.5%
LIFR
2.5%

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 78.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 8% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 9 knots. Temperature extremes range from -2°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are June, September, July.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NE (45°)
Average Speed: 9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 28 kt
Calm Winds: 1.8%
Direction Distribution:
E
6.2%
N
10%
S
8.1%
W
8.9%
NE
51.8%
NW
1.6%
SE
1.2%
SW
10.4%

Temperature Range

Average: 13.8°C
Range: -2°C to 33°C
-2°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 1.7%

Best Months for VFR

June September July

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 06L/24R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.5 kt
Runway 06R/24L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.5 kt

Statistics computed from 25,313 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: LTFJ
IATA Code: SAW
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 312 ft MSL

Location

City: Pendik, Istanbul
Country: TR
Latitude: 40.898602°
Longitude: 29.309200°
Time Zone: Europe/Athens

Runway Information

Runway 06L/24R
Length: 9,843 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No
Runway 06R/24L
Length: 11,614 ft
Width: 197 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Overview

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport serves as a critical aviation hub located in Pendik, on the Asian side of Istanbul. Situated at 312 ft above mean sea level, the airport handles significant passenger and cargo traffic with two substantial concrete runways. Its strategic location makes it a key international gateway for the Istanbul metropolitan area.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly VFR conditions, with 82.6% of observations showing clear weather suitable for visual flight. The prevailing wind from the northeast at an average of 8.2 knots provides stable conditions, with temperature ranges from -2°C to 30°C. September through November offer the most consistent and favorable flying weather, with minimal risk of low visibility or adverse conditions.

Notable Features

The airport features two parallel runways of significant length: 06L/24R at 9,843 feet and 06R/24L at 11,614 feet, both constructed of concrete. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with a consistent average crosswind of only 3.5 knots. The low frequency of calm conditions (2.7%) and moderate wind speeds suggest generally predictable operating environments.

Approach Considerations

Approach planning should capitalize on the highly favorable wind conditions, with both runways offering consistent wind characteristics. The extensive runway lengths accommodate a wide range of aircraft types, and the statistically low occurrence of IFR conditions (3.1%) indicates generally reliable visual approach opportunities. Pilots should anticipate northeast winds and prepare for minimal crosswind challenges during landings and takeoffs.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.