On April 17th, Turkish Airlines became the first in European aviation to operate with Triple Independent Runway Operations. With this new system, three Turkish Airlines aircraft took off simultaneously via three parallel runways at Istanbul Airport. This project was a collaboration with Istanbul’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadier Uraloglu, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmet Bolat, and airport and airline officials. Using Triple Independent Runway Operations will allow Istanbul Airport – one of the busiest airports worldwide – to operate in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.
“As Turkish Airlines, we are proud to be part of yet another historic moment for Turkish aviation,” said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. “With the simultaneous take-off of three of our aircraft, our main hub iGA Istanbul Airport has achieved a first in Europe. This operational capacity will enhance the efficiency of our flights and serve as a significant milestone on our path toward continued growth.”
Istanbul Airport is currently the fifth busiest in the world and second busiest in Europe. Through utilization of the Triple Independent Runway Operations, the airport will be able to serve over 200 million passengers annually. In 2024, Turkish Airlines had over half a million aircraft movements. With the Triple Independent Runway Operations, hourly aircraft capacity will increase from 120 to 148 movements.
This advancement will reduce taxi time and delays, improving financial efficiency for the airline. It will also yield a smoother and more punctual experience for Turkish Airlines passengers overall. Finally, the implementation of the Triple Independent Runway Operations will reduce the airline’s carbon emissions. This is a great advancement for the brand’s sustainability efforts and in alignment with their long-term environmental goals.
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