Istanbul Makes Runway History

İGA Istanbul Airport is the first airport in Europe to successfully implement the triple runway operations system.

The new system was officially launched on April 17 by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. He gave the first command to Turkish Airlines pilots, from the ATC tower, enabling the simultaneous take-off of three scheduled flights.

With this new system — expected to make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy — iGA Istanbul Airport now has the capacity for simultaneous take-off and landing operations on three independent runways. As a result, the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity has increased 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.

This system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers per annum. A key component is the airport collaborative decision making (A-CDM) system, which will enhance the predictability of air traffic movements, improve slot allocation, and ensure more efficient runway usage.

The transformation process at İGA Istanbul Airport began in 2022. A comprehensive safety analysis and airspace design process was carried out in close cooperation with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Turkish Airlines (THY), EUROCONTROL, and other international authorities. During this period, 500 air traffic controllers undertook 4,500 hours of training based on specially developed operational scenarios for the new system.

The new operational structure is supported by cutting-edge solutions such as advanced radar systems, full A-CDM integration, improved slot management, and digitally optimised taxi times.

In addition, close coordination with EUROCONTROL ensures seamless integration with European airspace, reduces delays, and optimises traffic flow. Air traffic control teams use the latest radar systems, navigation tools, and predictive analytics to ensure smooth operations. Real-time data enables controllers to make quick, informed decisions, while predictive tools help visualise flight patterns and prevent potential runway conflicts — a critical advantage, especially during peak travel periods.

The airport’s hourly air traffic capacity has increased from 120 to 148 aircraft movements