Istanbul Airport in Turkey has become the first in Europe to implement a triple independent runway system. The integration of this advanced technology was highlighted today with the successful simultaneous departure of three Turkish Airlines aircraft, a move that significantly boosts the airport’s hourly aircraft handling capacity.
At approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, three jets — a Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-900 headed to Amsterdam, an Airbus A321neo bound for Kayseri, and a Turkish Cargo Boeing 777F departing for Almaty — lifted off in synchronized unison.
While multiple airports in the United States have employed similar simultaneous runway operations, Istanbul Airport is the first in Europe to do so.
“This operation proves Istanbul’s capability to lead not just in passenger numbers but in operational sophistication,” said Mehmet Kalyoncu, board member of IGA Istanbul Airport. “We are entering a phase where Europe’s airspace becomes more efficient, and Istanbul plays a central role in that transformation.”
The new system is also expected to contribute to a more sustainable aviation ecosystem by facilitating optimized flight paths and reducing airborne holding patterns, thereby leading to lower carbon emissions.
The runway expansion project, launched in late 2022, involved close cooperation with Eurocontrol and international air navigation service providers. Extensive simulations were conducted to assess safety protocols, and over 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of specialized training using a domestically developed simulator to prepare for the demands of triple runway coordination.
The enhanced infrastructure is key to meeting Istanbul Airport’s long-term target of handling 200 million passengers annually — more than double its current traffic. In 2023, the airport served over 80 million travelers, ranking among the top five in Europe.
