iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first airport in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations successfully. The new system was officially launched on April 17, 2025, marking a historic moment for Turkish and European aviation.
The system was officially inaugurated by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, who commanded the first simultaneous takeoff of three Turkish Airlines aircraft from the Air Traffic Control tower. This demonstration highlighted the new capabilities of Istanbul Airport and showcased Türkiye’s growing leadership in global aviation infrastructure.
“We are proud as Türkiye is the only country to implement this system in Europe,” stated Minister Uraloglu during the inauguration. “Now, Istanbul Airport has risen to the top tier of global aviation—not only with its traffic volume but also in terms of operational capacity and technical capability.”
According to iGA Istanbul Airport, this operational upgrade increases the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements. This boost enhances efficiency not only for Istanbul but also for European airspace management, promising faster and safer operations.
Turkish Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier and primary hub user, stands to benefit significantly. “This operational capacity will enhance the efficiency of our flights and serve as a significant milestone on our path toward continued growth,” said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.
For passengers, the implementation means potentially shorter taxi times, fewer delays, and improved punctuality for Turkish Airlines’ extensive network, which operates over 1,000 daily flights from IST. The system also contributes to environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions.
Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of iGA Istanbul Airport, emphasized the strategic importance: “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 transition involved extensive preparation starting in 2022, including collaboration with aviation authorities like DHMI, SHGM, and Eurocontrol. According to iGA Istanbul Airport, 500 air traffic controllers received 4,500 hours of specialized training, supported by advanced radar systems and Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) integration.
This technological leap supports iGA Istanbul Airport’s long-term vision of serving 200 million passengers annually.
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