Istanbul Airport Simultaneous Triple Independent Runway Operation (2025)

İstanbul Airport Simultaneous Triple Independent Runway Operation (2025) is an air traffic management system implementation that enables three aircraft to land or take off simultaneously on three independent runways. Istanbul Airport is the first airport on the continent to implement this operation, which commenced on 17 April 2025.

_{Simultaneous triple independent runway operation radar image, 17 April 2025 – FlightRadar25}

The simultaneous triple independent runway operation was launched at Istanbul Airport on 17 April 2025. Under the instructions of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, three Turkish Airlines aircraft took off simultaneously from runways 34L, 35L and 36. This implementation is recorded as the second of its kind worldwide following its predecessor and the first in Europe.

Preparations for the system began in the final quarter of 2022. Under a collaborative effort involving the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DHMİ), the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Eurocontrol, Turkish Airlines (THY), and İGA Airport Operations, comprehensive analyses were conducted, infrastructure was redesigned, and operational scenario-based training programs were implemented. During this process, a total of 4,500 hours of training were delivered to 500 air traffic controllers.

_{İstanbul Airport simultaneous triple independent runway operation, 17 April 2025 – Anadolu Ajansı}

System enables simultaneous landings and takeoffs on three independent runways at Istanbul Airport. With this new system, the airport’s hourly air traffic capacity has increased from 120 to 148 aircraft. It has been reported that the system accelerates air traffic and enhances operational efficiency by reducing aircraft holding times in the air.

The operational framework is based on advanced radar systems, integrated Airport Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM), slot management optimization, improved taxi times and predictive analytics. Real-time monitoring and predictive analyses enable air traffic controllers to effectively manage traffic flow.

The simultaneous triple independent runway operation was developed in line with Istanbul Airport’s long-term capacity targets. When all phases of the airport are completed, it is planned to serve 200 million passengers annually. Within this scope, efficiency in managing both passenger and cargo traffic has been improved, service quality has been enhanced, and waiting times have been reduced.

The infrastructure integrated with Turkish Cargo’s SmartIST center enables increased cargo capacity. The cargo volume, which reached 1.97 million tons in 2024, is planned to be raised to 4.5 million tons with the second phase of SmartIST.

Operation was developed through collaboration among public institutions and private sector organizations. The preparatory process, carried out with contributions from İGA, DHMİ, SHGM, Eurocontrol and THY, was implemented through a multi-stakeholder coordination model encompassing technical, administrative and educational domains. Operational scenario-based training and airspace regulations form the core elements of this collaboration.