Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

LTFJ / SAW

Pendik, Istanbul, TR

Last Updated
Mar 4, 19:50Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 16 min ago
19:50Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
7°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 1°C
5 kt
30°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1027 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LTFJ 041950Z 03005KT CAVOK 07/01 Q1027 NOSIG
QNH
1027 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1017 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (312 ft)
Pressure Alt
-101 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: -986 ft
ISA Deviation: -7.4°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF LTFJ 041640Z 0418/0518 05007KT CAVOK PROB40 TEMPO 0502/0506 4000 BR SCT002 BECMG 0508/0512 24010KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
20:06Z BASE
+0h
VFR 50° 7 kt
Visibility: >10km
02:00Z PROB40 TEMPO
+6h
IFR
Visibility: 4 km
Mist
08:00Z BECMG
+12h
VFR 240° 10 kt

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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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
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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°
4.1 kt 2.8 kt
34° angle
✈️ 06R/24L
Active: 06R
11,614 ft 197 ft CON
4.3 kt 2.5 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

13,963 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
78.8%
MVFR
15.4%
IFR
4.6%
LIFR
1.2%

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 78.8% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 5.8% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 8.3 knots. Temperature extremes range from -2°C to 30°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: NE (45°)
Average Speed: 8.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 28 kt
Calm Winds: 2.5%
Direction Distribution:
N
10.6%
NE
43.9%
E
7.2%
SE
1.7%
S
11.7%
SW
10.5%
W
9.8%
NW
2.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 12.3°C
Range: -2°C to 30°C
-2°C 30°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0.8%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

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 13,963 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 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.