Istanbul Airport; The first airport in Europe with simultaneous triple independent runway operations
Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Turkey's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, announced that they have taken a new historic step in air traffic management. He said: "With this system, at Istanbul Airport, three aircraft will be able to land or take off simultaneously and independently on different runways. Istanbul Airport will be the first airport in Europe to start triple independent runway operations."
The Minister of Transport, referring to the official launch of the triple independent runway operations at Istanbul Airport, emphasized that the operation will begin tomorrow at 10:00 AM and will allow three aircraft to land or take off at the same time on completely separate runways.
Uraloğlu also stated that with the implementation of this system, the existing runways will be used more efficiently and the air traffic flow at Istanbul Airport will increase.
According to the minister, this type of operation is currently implemented only in the United States of America, and Istanbul Airport will be the first airport in Europe to operate such an advanced system.
Project started in 2022
Uraloğlu explained that preparations for this project began in the last quarter of 2022, and in 2023 and 2024, with the collaboration of institutions such as EUROCONTROL (European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation), General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and Turkish Airlines , numerous coordination meetings, risk analyses, safety studies, and simulations were conducted.
According to the minister, based on the safety analysis report prepared by EUROCONTROL, all necessary preparations have been completed.
"A new airspace design was made, control systems were updated for triple operations, and airlines were informed. Our air traffic controllers were trained using our domestic simulators."
The minister added: "The technology required to support this operation is extremely advanced and complex. The system includes advanced radars, precision navigation aids, and robust air traffic control protocols. All these components ensure that simultaneous operations are carried out safely and that both air and ground traffic continue uninterrupted."
Additionally, the system includes automated structures that help forecast flight paths and flows, and it plays a key role in preventing runway incursions and ensuring smooth traffic management.
