Istanbul became the first airport in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations, ushering in a new era of aviation excellence.
Turkish Airlines is proud to celebrate a groundbreaking milestone in aviation as iGA Istanbul Airport becomes the first in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations—a move set to dramatically boost efficiency and elevate the airport’s global standing.
Launched on 17 April 2025, this system allows three aircraft to take off simultaneously on separate runways. It’s a first not just for Türkiye but for the entire continent, reinforcing Istanbul’s strategic role as a central global hub between Africa, Europe, and Asia.
South African travellers—whether heading to Europe, the Americas, or the Middle East—stand to benefit from this development through smoother connections, reduced delays, and shorter travel times via Turkish Airlines’ extensive route network, which includes direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to Istanbul.
The announcement was led by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, alongside Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board Prof. Ahmet Bolat and iGA Istanbul Airport board member Mehmet Kalyoncu. In a powerful demonstration of the system’s capability, three Turkish Airlines aircraft took off simultaneously during live operations.
“This is more than a technical achievement—it’s a statement of Türkiye’s role in shaping the future of global air travel,” said Minister Uraloglu. “With this capability, Istanbul Airport is now among the most advanced aviation hubs in the world.”
Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman, added:
“We’re proud to be part of this historic moment. This new capability will enhance the efficiency of our operations and aligns perfectly with our mission to connect more people across the globe.”
With the new system, iGA Istanbul Airport increases its hourly aircraft movement capacity from 120 to 148 flights, reducing taxi times and supporting more punctual departures and arrivals. For Turkish Airlines and its global guests, this means a smoother, faster, and more sustainable flying experience, as the system also contributes to lower carbon emissions—a step forward in the airline’s sustainability journey.
“Istanbul is no longer just a stopover—it is a world-class aviation hub,” said Kalyoncu.
As Turkish Airlines continues to grow and innovate, this milestone underlines its commitment to excellence, efficiency, and sustainability, while reinforcing Türkiye’s leadership in global aviation.
For the video of the historic moment: LINK
