On 17 April 2025 iGA Istanbul Airport made global aviation history by launching its Triple Independent Runway Operations (TRO). The operation was officially initiated by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. From the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, Minister Uraloğlu gave the first command to Turkish Airlines pilots, enabling the simultaneous take-off of three scheduled flights. This moment marked not only a milestone for iGA Istanbul Airport but also a turning point in the history of global aviation.

Whereas more than 500 airports worldwide have three or more parallel runways, only four – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and now iGA Istanbul Airport (IST) – are officially certified for Triple Runway Operations (TRO). Among them, IST is the only airport in Europe actively conducting TRO and the first in the region to do so. The successful launch has elevated the young airport even higher into the ranks of the world's elite aviation hubs.   

With this pioneering step, Türkiye not only strengthens its strategic role as a global aviation hub but also redefines the boundaries of air traffic capacity, safety, and operational efficiency. The transformation optimises traffic management across European and Asian airspace, making it faster, safer, and more efficient – with a positive impact for the Turkish economy.

Airspace maximisation

Triple Independent Runway Operations (TRO) allow the simultaneous and independent use of three parallel runways for departures and arrivals - a complex choreography of aircraft movement that requires exceptional coordination supported by state-of-the-art technology. The capability enables true independent parallel operations across iGA Istanbul Airport’s three runways, marking a monumental step in airspace management. It allows for an additional 28 aircraft movements per hour meaning there will be shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and reduced carbon emissions for the environment.

Precision meets performance

This innovative system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers. As a global transfer hub, the airport will now be able to manage its intense passenger and cargo traffic even more efficiently. It also ensures long-term sustainability by preparing the airport for future traffic volumes. A key component of this system, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, enhances the predictability of air traffic movements, improves slot allocation, and ensures more efficient runway usage. These new capabilities will positively impact on the passenger experience. 

Thanks to TRO, iGA Istanbul Airport will be capable of handling up to 148 aircraft movements per hour, significantly improving throughput without compromising on safety. This is a game-changer in managing peak-time congestion, reducing delays, and optimising turnaround times for carriers.

On the day of launch, iGA Istanbul Airport, CEO Selahattin Bilgen said: “This is not merely a technical achievement for us, but also a strategic milestone. The Triple Independent Runway Operation stands as one of the most critical cornerstones of this ecosystem. This development enhances not only the efficiency of Istanbul’s airspace but also that of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is no longer just a destination - it is now a global aviation hub.”

A hub poised for the future

iGA Istanbul Airport is already one of the world’s busiest international transit points. The airport is a strategically positioned hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The implementation of TRO dovetails with Türkiye’s broader civil aviation strategy to become a regional and global leader in air transportation.

The transformation process at iGA Istanbul Airport began in 2022. In close cooperation with the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM), Turkish Airlines (THY), Eurocontrol, and other international authorities, a comprehensive safety analysis and airspace design process was carried out. During this period, a total of 500 air traffic controllers underwent 4,500 hours of training based on specially developed operational scenarios for the new system.

The new operational structure is supported by cutting-edge solutions such as advanced radar systems, full A-CDM integration, improved slot management, and digitally optimised taxi times.

In addition, close coordination with Eurocontrol ensures seamless integration with European airspace, reduces delays, and optimises traffic flow. Air traffic control teams use the latest radar systems, navigation tools, and predictive analytics to ensure smooth operations. Real-time data enables controllers to make quick, informed decisions, while predictive tools help visualise flight patterns and prevent potential runway conflicts — a critical advantage, especially during peak travel periods.

Even during its initial construction, the airport’s airside infrastructure was designed with this system in mind, ensuring readiness for future demands.

Looking ahead

As global air traffic continues to grow and evolve, capacity and efficiency will define the competitive edge for major airports. The successful integration of TRO has set a new benchmark for iGA Istanbul Airport - one that both serves Türkiye’s ambitious aviation ambitions and contributes to enhancing the future of global connectivity.

TRO builds on iGA Istanbul Airport’s already-strong value proposition for airlines and passengers alike, offering greater scheduling flexibility, reduced airborne holding times, and enhanced resilience. For an airport soon to celebrate its seventh birthday, this latest development is testament to Türkiye’s ambitious leadership; further cementing iGA’s growing reputation as a major global aviation hub