On April 17th, Istanbul Airport became the first airport in Europe to successfully implement the Triple Runway Operations system. From the ATC tower, Transport Minister Uraloğlu gave the first command to Turkish Airlines pilots, enabling the simultaneous takeoff of three scheduled flights.
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With this new system — expected to make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy — iGA Istanbul Airport now has the capacity for simultaneous takeoff and landing operations on three independent runways. This operation has enabled the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity to increase from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This operational transformation not only optimises traffic management in Istanbul but also across European airspace, making it faster, safer, and more efficient. The additional 28 aircraft movements per hour mean shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and reduced carbon emissions for the environment.
The strong support and contribution of Türkiye’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, play a vital role in this achievement. With its extensive flight network connecting Istanbul to the world and its outstanding operational capabilities, Turkish Airlines enhances the effectiveness of this operation, elevating the passenger experience to the highest level.
Paving the Way to 200 Million Passengers
This innovative system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers target. As a global transfer hub, the airport will now be able to manage its intense passenger and cargo traffic even more efficiently. It also ensures long-term sustainability by preparing the airport for future traffic volumes.
A key component of this system, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, enhances the predictability of air traffic movements, improves slot allocation, and ensures more efficient runway usage.