Istanbul Airport Achieves Triple Runway Operations – First in Europe

Istanbul Airport has achieved a major aviation milestone by becoming Europe’s first—and the world’s second after the U.S.—to launch simultaneous operations on three independent runways. This breakthrough significantly boosts the airport’s capacity, allowing three aircraft to land or take off at the same time. Turkish officials hailed the development as a game-changer for global aviation efficiency.

Since its opening in 2018, Istanbul Airport has rapidly climbed global rankings, handling 80.1 million passengers in 2023—making it Europe’s second-busiest airport. In April 2025, it set another record with 1,464 daily flights, cementing its status as a key international hub. The airport’s annual capacity now stands at an impressive 90 million passengers.

The triple runway system required two years of intensive preparation, including safety reviews by Eurocontrol, advanced airspace redesign, and specialized training for air traffic controllers. Cutting-edge radar systems and AI-powered traffic management tools were also implemented to ensure smooth operations while preventing runway conflicts.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu described the achievement as a testament to Türkiye’s growing aviation leadership. The milestone was marked by a ceremonial triple takeoff of Turkish Airlines jets, symbolizing the airport’s enhanced capabilities. This advancement aligns with Türkiye’s broader infrastructure growth, which has seen its number of airports nearly double since 2002.

With this technological leap, Istanbul Airport strengthens its position as a global aviation leader, poised to handle increasing passenger and cargo demand while improving flight efficiency. The move is expected to further boost Türkiye’s economy and connectivity on the world stage.

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