Şehir HatlarıDense fog affecting the Istanbul Strait on Monday, August 3, 2026, has negatively impacted sea transportation, leading to the cancellation of 15 ferry services by Şehir Hatları, along with the Sirkeci - Harem car ferry services until further notice. The initial announcement was made at 09:33 and updated at 10:06. This situation directly affects passengers and vehicle owners planning to travel by sea in Istanbul, especially during the morning hours.
Reason for Cancellations and Affected Routes
Dense fog observed across the Istanbul Strait in the morning hours significantly reduced visibility. The fog, observed in higher areas and along the Strait, posed a risk to maritime traffic safety, leading to the decision by Şehir Hatları to cancel services. Among the cancelled services are both passenger ferries and the Sirkeci - Harem car ferry line, a crucial vehicle transit route.
List of Cancelled Ferry Services
According to the statement made on Şehir Hatları's official website, the 15 ferry services and routes cancelled due to fog are as follows:
- Kadıköy-Kabataş
- Kadıköy-Beşiktaş
- Kadıköy-Karaköy-Eminönü
- Üsküdar-Karaköy-Eminönü
- Üsküdar-Golden Horn
- Kadıköy-Golden Horn
- Beşiktaş-Golden Horn
- Kadıköy-Üsküdar-Ortaköy
- Kadıköy-Beşiktaş-İstinye-Sarıyer
- Küçüksu-Beşiktaş-Kabataş
- Üsküdar-Aşiyan
- 08:00 Arnavutköy-Eminönü service
- 08:05 Çengelköy-Eminönü service
- Bostancı-Moda-Karaköy-Kabataş
- Çengelköy-İstinye Ring Line
Important Information and Alternatives for Passengers
As cancellations are stated to continue until further notice, it is crucial for passengers with travel plans to monitor the current situation. Vehicle owners planning to use the Sirkeci - Harem line should consider road alternatives (e.g., Eurasia Tunnel or bridges). Passengers planning to use other ferry lines should check Şehir Hatları's official website and social media accounts for instant announcements. There is no clear information regarding when the cancellations will end and when services will return to normal.
Importance of the Sirkeci - Harem Line
The Sirkeci - Harem car ferry line is a strategic route providing uninterrupted transportation between Sirkeci on Istanbul's European Side and Harem on the Anatolian Side. It holds great importance, particularly for easing urban vehicle traffic and facilitating the Strait crossing for heavy vehicles. The disruption of this line due to natural events like dense fog can lead to additional congestion in Istanbul traffic.