Istanbul Airport to boost capacity with Europe’s 1st simultaneous triple runways

Istanbul Airport (SAW), already Europe’s second-busiest hub by passenger volume, is set to begin simultaneous triple independent runway operations starting Thursday. The move will make Türkiye the first country in Europe to implement this advanced aviation system, which allows three aircraft to take off and land at the same time on separate runways.

The new system is expected to enhance the airport’s efficiency significantly, reducing waiting times and increasing traffic flow and operational capacity.

While similar systems are already in use in the United States, Türkiye will be the first European country to implement such operations.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu emphasized that the initiative would optimize the use of the airport’s runways. “With this system, three aircraft will be able to land and three others take off simultaneously,” he said.

Europe’s busiest airport

He added that the enhanced runway capability will accelerate air traffic flow and boost the airport’s dynamic capacity, strengthening Istanbul Airport’s position as a key hub in Europe.

Work on the project began in the final quarter of 2022, and throughout 2023 and 2024, joint efforts were undertaken by Eurocontrol, Türkiye’s State Airports Authority (DHMI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Turkish Airlines. These efforts included risk assessments, safety evaluations, simulation exercises and coordination meetings, Uraloglu detailed.

All necessary preparations were finalized in line with a safety analysis report provided by Eurocontrol, including redesigning the airspace, adapting control systems for triple-runway operations, informing airlines, and training air traffic controllers using a locally developed simulator.

Uraloglu also pointed out that Istanbul Airport has consistently ranked as Europe’s busiest airport in recent years. Citing Eurocontrol’s latest aviation overview, he noted that the airport handled an average of 1,326 daily flights during the week of March 17–23.

The minister concluded that the launch of triple-runway operations will further solidify Istanbul Airport’s strategic importance in European air travel.