Istanbul Airport becomes first in Europe to launch triple independent runway operations system

On 17 April 2025, İGA Istanbul Airport became the first in Europe to successfully implement Triple Runway Operations, a move hailed as a milestone in aviation history. From the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, gave the inaugural command to Turkish Airlines pilots, enabling the simultaneous take-off of three scheduled flights.

Details on Istanbul Airport’s triple independent runway operations system

With this new system, İGA now supports simultaneous take-off and landing on three independent runways, increasing its hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 movements. This innovation is expected to reduce delays, improve efficiency across European airspace, and lower carbon emissions, marking a significant advancement for Türkiye’s strategic aviation role.

Aimed at realising İGA’s vision to handle 200 million passengers, the new operations bolster the airport’s capacity to manage growing passenger and cargo traffic. Enhanced by Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM), the system improves slot allocation, optimises runway usage, and boosts predictability of movements.

Commenting on the milestone, Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of İGA Istanbul Airport, said:
“I am proud to state that as of today we are officially launching triple independent runway operations at İGA Istanbul Airport, setting a precedent in Europe and once again elevating Türkiye to the top in the field of aviation. This is not only a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone… Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global air transport hub.”

The transformation began in 2022 in collaboration with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Turkish Airlines, Eurocontrol, and other international stakeholders. A safety analysis and redesigned airspace supported implementation, while 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of scenario-based training.

Advanced radar systems, full A-CDM integration, optimised taxi times, and predictive analytics underpin the new structure. Real-time data helps controllers manage complex traffic flows, especially during peak hours. Designed for future demands, İGA’s infrastructure supports seamless integration with European airspace, reinforcing its status as a global aviation hub.