A first in Europe, iGA Istanbul Airport marks a new phase in Turkish aviation
A major milestone in European aviation has been reached as iGA Istanbul Airport becomes the first in Europe to commence Triple Independent Runway Operations, effective 17 April 2025. This development positions the airport among a select group globally capable of operating three independent runways simultaneously.
The launch was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu; General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) Chairman of the Board and General Director Enes Çakmak; Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat; iGA Istanbul Airport Board Member Mehmet Kalyoncu, and other dignitaries. The inauguration featured three Turkish Airlines aircraft taking off simultaneously under live operational conditions.
Describing the initiative as a first for Türkiye and Europe, Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu remarked, “We are proud as Türkiye is the only country to implement this system in Europe. 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. With this system, air traffic flow will accelerate, the dynamic capacity of our airport will significantly increase, and we will offer our passengers faster and safer service.”
He added that when Istanbul’s geographic location is combined with this new capability, the airport’s role in global aviation logistics will become even more significant.
From the perspective of Turkish Airlines, the development also marked an important step. Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, stated, “As Turkish Airlines, we are proud to be part of yet another historic moment for Turkish aviation. With the simultaneous take-off of three of our aircraft, our main hub iGA Istanbul Airport has achieved a first in Europe. This operational capacity will enhance the efficiency of our flights and serve as a significant milestone on our path toward continued growth.”
Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member at iGA Istanbul Airport, also highlighted the broader implications of the new system, saying, “It is with great pleasure that I announce that as of April 17, 2025, we are officially commencing Triple Independent Runway Operations at iGA Istanbul Airport—marking a first in Europe and further strengthening Türkiye’s contribution to the international travel and aviation industry. This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone.”
He noted that the new operations increase the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements and improve efficiency not only for Istanbul but for European airspace overall.
“Istanbul is no longer just a destination—it is now a global aviation hub,” he added.
The implementation of Triple Independent Runway Operations is expected to reduce taxi times and delays while improving overall punctuality. It also supports ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to long-term environmental targets.
As air traffic at Istanbul Airport continues to expand, the system is expected to play a vital role in supporting both domestic and international growth, further embedding Istanbul’s role within the global air transport network.
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