The new East-West runway increases airfield capacity at iGA Istanbul Airport, reducing delays and supporting the airport’s continued growth as a global aviation hub.
iGA Istanbul Airport has officially opened its fourth runway, marking a significant expansion of airfield capacity and operational flexibility at one of the world’s most connected hub airports.
The Istanbul Airport fourth runway was inaugurated on 18 September during a ceremony attended by Türkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. The project is the first major development completed under the airport’s Phase 2 investment programme.
Delivered with an investment of €890 million, the new runway is the airport’s first East-West aligned runway and increases the total number of runways at iGA Istanbul Airport to six. Airport operators expect the additional infrastructure to reduce airborne holding patterns and taxi times, particularly for domestic services and eastbound routes, generating fuel savings and improving operational efficiency during adverse weather conditions.
The runway measures 2,820 metres in length and 45 metres in width, complementing the airport’s existing network of three main runways and two auxiliary runways aligned on a North-South axis. Its introduction follows the implementation of triple independent parallel runway operations at the airport in April 2025, a first for Europe, further strengthening airfield resilience and capacity.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, iGA Chairman of the Board Cemal Kalyoncu highlighted the strategic importance of the investment.
“The fourth runway is an important milestone in a landmark project that is turning Türkiye’s global aspirations into a reality. Istanbul Airport is the realisation of the great vision that our esteemed President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has set out for Türkiye. We’ve worked with all our efforts to achieve the goal of establishing a leading global transfer hub in Istanbul.”
The launch of the Istanbul Airport fourth runway forms part of a wider expansion strategy designed to reinforce the airport’s position as a leading international gateway. Recent developments include the opening of the 485-room Hilton Istanbul Airport and the JETEX-iGA Terminal for private aviation passengers.
Alongside the runway inauguration, iGA Istanbul Airport also opened Florentia Village, described as Türkiye’s first luxury designer outlet developed to international standards. The retail project was completed through a partnership between Kalyon Construction and Italy’s RDM-Fingen Group with an investment of approximately €180 million.
Kalyoncu said the project demonstrates continued international confidence in Türkiye and Istanbul as investment destinations.
“At a time of significant global uncertainty, we’re reassured by the international organisations that are continuing to choose Türkiye and Istanbul Airport for investment. Their confidence in Istanbul is a strong indication that Türkiye continues to be seen as an island of economic stability.”
Ranked first globally for hub connectivity by ACI Europe, iGA Istanbul Airport expects the fourth runway to play a central role in accommodating future traffic growth while enhancing operational efficiency across its expanding route network. The investment also supports the airport’s long-term ambition to strengthen Istanbul’s role as a global aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
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