In a transformative leap for aviation infrastructure, iGA Istanbul Airport has become the first airport in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations.
The groundbreaking initiative is set to significantly enhance efficiency and capacity, marking a historic milestone not only for Türkiye but for the whole continent.
Launched on April 17, this innovative system allows three aircraft to take off simultaneously from separate runways. As a result, the airport’s hourly aircraft movement capacity has surged from 120 to 148 flights.
The system promises to streamline passenger travel experiences, ultimately allowing travellers to have smoother connections to various destinations.
South African travellers heading to Europe, America or the Middle East stand to benefit from this development through smoother connections, reduced delays and shorter travel times via Turkish Airlines, which includes direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to Istanbul.
A live demonstration underscored the system’s potential, with three aircraft taking off concurrently, setting a new benchmark within the aviation sector.
“This is more than a technical achievement, it’s a statement of Türkiye’s role in shaping the future of global air travel. With this capability, Istanbul Airport is now among the most advanced aviation hubs in the world,” said Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu.
“This new capability will enhance the efficiency of our operations and aligns perfectly with our mission to connect more people across the globe,” noted Turkish Airlines’ chairman, Professor Ahmet Bolat.
This new operation also aids in the reduction of carbon emissions, propelling the airline forward in its journey towards a greener future.
“Istanbul is no longer just a stopover, it is a world-class aviation hub”, Mehmet Kalyoncu, an iGA Istanbul Airport board member, added.
