Istanbul Airport Achieves European First with Triple Simultaneous Departures
- Avaitors Maldives
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
On April 17, 2025, Istanbul Airport (IST) made aviation history by becoming the first airport in Europe to implement triple independent runway operations. This milestone was marked by the simultaneous departure of three Turkish Airlines aircraft, showcasing the airport’s advanced infrastructure and operational capabilities.
At approximately 11:20 a.m. local time, three Turkish Airlines flights, an Airbus A350-900 to Amsterdam, an Airbus A321neo to Kayseri, and a Boeing 777F cargo flight to Almaty took off concurrently from IST’s parallel runways. This coordinated operation demonstrates the airport’s enhanced capacity and efficiency, allowing for increased aircraft movements and reduced delays.
The implementation of triple independent runway operations is a significant advancement for Istanbul Airport, increasing its hourly aircraft movement capacity from 120 to 148, a 23% boost. This development not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing airborne holding patterns and associated carbon emissions.
The successful launch of this system was the result of extensive planning and collaboration. Since 2022, over 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of specialized training to prepare for the complexities of managing triple runway operations. The project also involved close cooperation with international aviation authorities, including Eurocontrol, to ensure seamless integration into the broader European airspace.
Mehmet Kalyoncu, Board Member of İGA Istanbul Airport, emphasized the strategic importance of this achievement, stating, “We are officially launching triple independent runway operations at İGA Istanbul Airport, setting a precedent in Europe and once again elevating Türkiye to the top in the field of aviation.” He highlighted that this advancement is a key step toward the airport’s goal of handling 200 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as a leading global aviation hub.
This historic event underscores Istanbul Airport’s commitment to innovation and excellence, reinforcing its status as a critical nexus between Europe and Asia and setting a new standard for airport operations worldwide.