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

Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that the “simultaneous independent triple runway operations” at Istanbul Airport, aimed at maximizing the efficiency of the existing runways, will begin at 10:00 on Thursday, April 17th.

Providing information about the triple independent runway operation, Uraloglu explained, “With this system, Istanbul Airport will be able to handle three landings and takeoffs simultaneously. The United States currently implements this system, making Turkey the first country in Europe to do so. The triple independent runway operation will accelerate the traffic flow at Istanbul Airport and increase its dynamic capacity.” Uraloglu emphasized that the project’s work began in the last quarter of 2022 and included meetings, risk assessments, safety work, and simulations in coordination with EUROCONTROL, State Airports Authority, General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and Turkish Airlines in 2023 and 2024.

Stressing that all necessary preparations have been completed based on the safety analysis report prepared by EUROCONTROL, Uraloglu highlighted that the new airspace design has been developed, control systems have been adjusted for triple operations, airlines have been informed, and air traffic controllers have received training using domestic simulators. Pointing out that Istanbul Airport has been one of the busiest airports in Europe for years, Uraloglu cited EUROCONTROL’s European Aviation Overview Report, which indicated an average of 1326 daily flights at Istanbul Airport from March 17th to March 23rd. Uraloglu indicated that with the implementation of this system, Istanbul Airport will further strengthen its position in Europe.