Triple runway operations take off at Istanbul
April 17, 2025
In what has been described as a “new era in aviation history”, iGA Istanbul Airport has become the first airport in Europe to successfully implement triple runway operations.
Three Turkish Airlines flights performed simultaneous take-offs from Istanbul’s three independent runways marking the official launch on 17 April. The historic moment was celebrated with a ceremony led by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who issued take-off clearance from the Air Traffic Control tower, as he officially inaugurated the new system.
23% increase in aircraft movmement capacity
The implementation of the new system will see the airport’s hourly aircraft movement capacity increase from 120 to 148, marking a 23% boost. The additional 28 movements per hour promise shorter wait times, reduced delays and lower carbon emissions, contributing to operational and environmental sustainability.
Around 500 controllers underwent 4,500 hours of training as part of the introduction of the triple runway operation.
“This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone,” said Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of iGA Istanbul Airport. “The Triple Independent Runway Operation we are launching today stands as one of the most critical cornerstones of this ecosystem. This development enhances not only the efficiency of Istanbul’s airspace, but also that of Europe’s. Istanbul is no longer just a destination – it is now a global aviation hub.”
The development aligns with the airport’s long-term vision to serve up to 200 million passenger annually – in 2024 the airport served over 80 million passengers. A key element to this growth strategy is the integration of the Airport Collaboration Decision Making (ACDM) system, which improves predictability, optimises slot allocation and enhances runway efficiency.
Extensive collaboration pays off
Unlike in the UK where Heathrow’s plans for a third runway have been rumbling on for two decades, the transformation process at iGA Istanbul Airport began in 2022 and has involved extensive collaboration between the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) Eurocontrol and other global aviation bodies. Turkish Airlines has also been instrumental in the rollout, leveraging its vast network and operational capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of the operation, according to iGA Istanbul.
Backed by advanced radar systems, real-time data analytics and digitally optimised taxi times, the Triple Runway Operations system not only positions iGA Istanbul as a key intercontinental hub, it also sets a new bar for efficiency and safety in European airspace.
Airports Council International (ACI) Europe’s Director General, Olivier Jankovec described the triple runway operations as “a major achievement worth celebrating and one which will further strengthen the capacity and global hub positioning of IST – boosting the competitiveness of Türkiye.”
Congratulating iGA Istanbul Airport’s CEO Selahattin Bilgen and his team, as well as Turkey’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, he added, “I know how much work and dedication has gone into making this a reality.” He also emphasised the triple runway operations send another signal to the European Union and EU Transport about the strategic importance of airport capacity and airport investment for the bloc’s competitiveness.
