Why are Istanbul flights under pressure today?

Delays from 8 February linked to Pegasus created a knock-on across key hubs. When rotations slip, crews and aircraft go out of place, which slows recovery. Today’s focus is whether on-time performance improves through the afternoon and if early waves tomorrow run cleanly without further disruptions.

Which airports saw the most disruption?

The most reported pressure points were Sabiha Gokcen in Istanbul and Antalya Airport. These hubs anchor regional flows, so any delay wave can ripple across connecting services. As recovery progresses, we expect queues and rebooking volumes to ease if rotations and gate availability improve.

What should UK investors monitor now?

Track on-time recovery, aircraft-in-position rates, reserve crew usage, and any guidance on schedule buffers. These show utilisation health and likely cost drift in GBP. If metrics improve today, the earnings impact should be limited. If delays persist, expect higher refunds, overtime, and potential schedule trims.

How could this affect near-term revenue?

Short disruptions often keep bookings intact, but extended delays can push passengers to later flights or rivals. Watch close-in fares, rebooking rates, and voucher usage. Strong late demand on Istanbul flights would support yields. Persistent queues and refunds would point to softer revenue in the near term.

Global Market Insights

Istanbul Flights February 9: Pegasus Delays Hit Hubs; Investor Watch

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Istanbul flights are under investor watch today after Pegasus Airlines delays on 8 February triggered more than 100 disruptions and two cancellations across Istanbul and Antalya. For UK travellers and investors, the focus is on schedule normalisation, on-time performance, and management guidance on crew and buffers. We weigh the near-term margin risk, potential spill to weekend travel, and what signals could show a quick recovery. Clear updates on utilisation and cost control will be key for confidence.