Türkiye Implements Europe’s First Simultaneous Independent Triple Runway Operations at İstanbul Airport
October 06
A safety-led programme delivers a major step forward in capacity and efficiency at Europe’s busiest hub.
Türkiye has implemented simultaneous independent Triple Runway Operations (TRO) at İstanbul Airport, marking the first application of its kind in Europe. TRO became operational on 17 April 2025, following a comprehensive development programme led by the General Directorate of State Airports (DHMİ) in cooperation with the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, EUROCONTROL, and Turkish Airlines.
The project, launched in August 2022, involved safety analyses, airspace and procedure design, real-time simulations, and extensive controller training. TRO enables simultaneous independent landings and take-offs on three runways at İstanbul Airport. This configuration significantly enhances the airport’s operational capacity.
As no ICAO regulations currently cover triple simultaneous operations, Türkiye developed a dedicated Concept of Operations and carried out a Safety Risk Assessment, supported by EUROCONTROL experts. Simulations and workshops with air traffic controllers, pilots, and safety specialists validated the concept and airspace structure before implementation.
TRO enables dynamic capacity management, reduces delays, improves fuel efficiency, and lowers emissions, while contributing to more predictable traffic flows across Turkish and European airspace.