Istanbul Airport Becomes First in Europe to Launch Triple Independent Runway Operations

April 17, 2025 – Istanbul Airport (iGA) had achieved a significant aviation milestone, becoming the first airport in Europe to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations (TIRO) successfully. This new system allows three aircraft to take off or land simultaneously on separate runways, setting a new benchmark in airport efficiency and innovation.

The historic moment was marked by the presence of Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who issued the inaugural command directly from the airport’s control tower. Following his order, three Turkish Airlines flights — TK1957, TK6528, and TK2014 — took off simultaneously, showcasing the capabilities of this advanced operational system.

A Leap Forward in Capacity and Efficiency

With the introduction of TIRO, Istanbul Airport has increased its maximum capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements per hour, representing an additional 28 operations every 60 minutes. This upgrade is a significant boost to the airport's ability to handle high volumes of traffic more efficiently, particularly during peak hours.

More than just a numbers game, the implementation of TIRO translates to reduced delays, shorter taxi times, and improved passenger experience. Additionally, by optimizing air traffic flow, the system helps reduce carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to make aviation more sustainable.

Watch the Historic Moment

You can watch the replay of this event, including the simultaneous departures of the three Turkish Airlines flights, using the AirNav Radar playback tool:

Click here to see the playback

A New Global Standard

With this achievement, Istanbul further solidifies its role as a strategic intercontinental hub, connecting Europe, Asia, and beyond. More importantly, it sets a new global standard in airport operations and paves the way for other major hubs to follow.