Breaking Barriers: Turkish Airlines executes Europe's first simultaneous triple departures

On April 17th, 2025, Three Turkish Airlines fleets take off simultaneously from Istanbul Airport, making it the first European airport to implement Triple Independent Runway Operations. This sounds like a remarkable opening in the new era in the European aviation sector.

Istanbul Airport- remained the busiest and most connected airport in the world; this recent development will strengthen its role as a global hub & reinforce Turkiey’s strategic position at the center of international air travel. This triple independent runway operation is expected to increase operational efficiency, and support the airport meets its sustainable aviation targets sooner.

Up, up, up and away 

This recent launch of the new system saw Three Turkish Airlines aircraft at the moment taking off from three parallel runways under live operations. It was projected and initiated by the country’s Ministers of Transport and Infrastructure; Abdulkadier Urgloglu- who joined airport and airline officials-Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Ahmed Bolat.

All three flights-TK2014, TK1957, and TK6528, departed at 11:20 am local time. TK2014 was operated by an A321neo-for Kayseri, TK1957-by an Airbus A350-900 for Amsterdam, and TK6528-a cargo flight to Almaty-operated by a Boeing 777F.

Speaking about the development, Abdulkadir Uraloglu said, “We are proud as Türkiye is the only country to implement this system in Europe. Now, Istanbul Airport has risen to the top tier of global aviation—not only with its traffic volume but also in terms of operational capacity and technical capability. With this system, air traffic flow will accelerate, the dynamic capacity of our airport will significantly increase, and we will offer our passengers faster and safer service.”

A new era for Istanbul airport 

This Türkiye’s strategic location is at the crossroads of Asia and Europe; three independent runway operations elevate Istanbul’s role in Global Aviation Logistics. This will surely increase the airport’s operational capacity from 128 to 148 aircraft movements per hour. Turkish Airlines, meanwhile, also experiences shorter taxi times, fewer delays, and enhanced on-time flight performance.

This apparently will result in a smoother, comforter, and faster air travel experience for all passengers. Above all will lower the sustainability of expenses with reduced carbon footprint-aligning the industry commitment to greener flights. It will be the benchmark on the newest and global aviation scale, with improved efficiency of Istanbul’s airspace and Europe at large.

Annual accountability of Istanbul Airport plans has been recorded to serve 200 million passengers once all stages are developed and completed. Among its core objectives for on-time departures and arrivals, this strategy has a crucial outcome with financial efficiency in the coming period. A report to OAG says Istanbul is the second-busiest airport in Europe and fifth in the world by the number of seats.

Enhanced global connectivity

Turkish Airlines are flying almost in every country today, thus making the Istanbul airport one of the world’s most internationally connected hubs. In 2024, Turkish Airlines was officially recognized in the Guinness World Records for flying to most countries after launching flights to Santiago, Chile-131st country. The airline has an improved network through its major hub at Istanbul Airport.

Last year, Turkish Airport welcomed almost 230.2 million passengers, almost a 7.5% growth from 2023. IST now has become the leading airport, welcoming 79.87 million passengers by 5%g growth in 2023. The carrier hub developed 517,285 aircraft movements-117,764 domestic and 399,521 international passenger moves. This huge number shares a sign that indicates Istanbul’s growth and development as an aviation hub.

Turkish Airlines operates over 1,000 daily flights from the airport, but this new triple parallel runway take-off system will increase the number for more arrivals and departures. It will enhance on-time flight punctuality and cost optimization, supporting the airline’s goals of seamless connectivity, superior services, and improved infrastructure.