The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, announced that the implementation of “simultaneous triple independent runway operations” at Istanbul Airport will start on Thursday, April 17.

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated in his announcement that the “simultaneous triple independent runway operations” at Istanbul Airport, designed to make the most efficient use of the existing runways, will commence at 10:00 on Thursday, April 17.

Giving information about the triple independent runway operation, Uraloglu said, “With this system, three planes will be able to land at Istanbul Airport simultaneously. Three planes will also be able to take off at the same time. The triple independent runway operation is utilized in the United States. Turkey will be the first country in Europe to implement this practice. The triple independent runway operation will accelerate the traffic flow at Istanbul Airport and increase its dynamic capacity.” Uraloglu recalled that the project’s work began in the last quarter of 2022, with meetings, risk analyses, safety works, and simulations conducted in collaboration with EUROCONTROL, State Airports Authority, General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and Turkish Airlines.

Emphasizing that all necessary preparations have been completed in line with the safety analysis report prepared by EUROCONTROL, Uraloglu stated that a new airspace design has been established, control systems have been adjusted for triple operations, airlines have been informed, and air traffic controllers have been provided with training on a local simulator. Uraloglu noted that Istanbul Airport has long been one of the busiest airports in Europe, with an average of 1326 flights per day recorded from March 17 to March 23, according to EUROCONTROL’s European Aviation Overview Report. With the implementation starting, Uraloglu pointed out that Istanbul Airport’s position in Europe will further strengthen.