Istanbul Airport makes history with Europe’s first triple-runway operations Video

On April 17, Istanbul Airport launched simultaneous triple-runway operations, enabling three aircraft to take off or land at once—making Türkiye the only country in Europe currently capable of such manoeuvres.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu described the development as a historic leap in air traffic management, Caliber.Az reports, referencing Turkish media.

“With this advancement, runway efficiency at Istanbul Airport will significantly improve, boosting traffic flow and dynamic capacity,” Uraloğlu said during the launch event.

Three Turkish Airlines passenger planes executed the inaugural take-offs simultaneously, marking the start of the system’s operational phase.

While the United States has been implementing triple independent runway operations for years, Istanbul Airport is the first airport in Europe to adopt the model.

Preparations for the project began in late 2022. Over the course of 2023 and 2024, Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the State Airports Authority (DHMİ), Turkish Airlines, and EUROCONTROL jointly conducted risk assessments, safety reviews, and simulation exercises.

According to Uraloğlu, the system’s introduction followed a comprehensive safety analysis by EUROCONTROL. “We designed a new airspace structure, upgraded our control systems for triple operations, and trained air traffic controllers using domestically developed simulators,” he said.

The infrastructure supporting the new system includes advanced radar technology, high-precision navigation aids, and robust air traffic control protocols. Uraloğlu emphasised that these components enable seamless and safe coordination of air and ground movements.

He added that the system also features automated mechanisms that help predict flight paths and traffic flows, playing a key role in preventing runway incursions and maintaining smooth airport operations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev