Turkish Airlines has taken part in a historic achievement for both Turkey and European aviation as iGA Istanbul Airport officially launched Triple Independent Runway Operations on April 17. With this groundbreaking advancement, Istanbul becomes the first city in Europe to introduce this system, further establishing itself as a central hub in global air travel.
The launch, attended by Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu and other high-ranking officials, marked a dramatic milestone in airport efficiency and aviation technology. The inauguration included a stunning live demonstration, where three Turkish Airlines aircraft departed simultaneously, showcasing the real-time capabilities of this complex system.
This new operational model means iGA Istanbul Airport can now handle up to 148 aircraft movements per hour, up from its previous limit of 120. The shift represents a major leap in efficiency, reducing delays and significantly cutting taxiing time for departing and arriving flights. Passengers of Turkish Airlines and other carriers can expect quicker takeoffs, more on-time arrivals, and a smoother overall travel experience.
“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. The airline, which operates more than 1,000 daily flights, will benefit from improved on-time performance—one of the cornerstones of its global strategy.
Triple Independent Runway Operations allow three aircraft to take off or land simultaneously on separate runways, without interfering with each other’s flight paths. While such operations are seen in places like the U.S., this is a first for Europe and Turkey, symbolizing a major technical upgrade for the region’s aviation sector.
Mehmet Kalyoncu, iGA Istanbul Airport Board Member, emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone. “This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. The Triple Independent Runway Operation we are launching today stands as one of the most critical cornerstones of this ecosystem.”
The system not only increases capacity but also aligns with environmental goals. With reduced taxi times and better air traffic flow, aircraft spend less time idling on the ground, leading to lower fuel consumption and fewer carbon emissions. This supports Turkish Airlines’ broader efforts toward sustainable aviation.
Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu underlined Turkey’s unique geographic position. “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,” he said.
As iGA Istanbul Airport pursues its vision to serve up to 200 million passengers, this leap in operational infrastructure strengthens Turkey’s position as a global aviation powerhouse. With its growing fleet and expanding route network, Turkish Airlines is set to benefit directly from this new era in air traffic management, offering faster, greener, and more reliable service to travelers around the world.
