Three Turkish Airlines flights made simultaneous departures on 17 April
On April 17, İGA Istanbul Airport became the first airport in Europe to implement a Triple Runway Operations system.
Three Turkish Airlines flights departed at the same time from three different runways.
Here is a video of the three departures.
The new system enables simultaneous takeoffs and landings on three independent runways.
This operation means the airport’s hourly capacity increases from 120 to 148 aircraft movements.
The additional 28 aircraft movements per hour mean shorter waiting times for airlines, fewer delays for passengers, and reduced carbon emissions for the environment.
This operational transformation not only optimises traffic management in Istanbul but also across European airspace, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.
The system plays a crucial role in supporting iGA Istanbul Airport’s vision of accommodating 200 million passengers.
The airport can manage its passenger and cargo traffic more efficiently. It also ensures long-term sustainability by preparing the airport for future traffic volumes. A key component of this system, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system, enhances the predictability of air traffic movements, improves slot allocation, and ensures more efficient runway usage.
In addition, close coordination with Eurocontrol ensures seamless integration with European airspace, reduces delays, and optimises traffic flow. Air traffic control teams use the latest radar systems, navigation tools, and predictive analytics to ensure smooth operations. Real-time data enables controllers to make quick, informed decisions, while predictive tools help visualise flight patterns and prevent potential runway conflicts — a critical advantage, especially during peak travel periods.
Operating from three runways simultaneously is a big step for IGa Istanbul Airport.
It is a first from Europe. Many airports worldwide operate three or more runways.
Airports with three or more runways
As of April 20, 2025, there are several airports around the world that have three or more runways. The number of runways can vary, and the operational use of these runways can also differ (e.g., some might not be used for simultaneous independent landings or take-offs).
Airports with Three Runways:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), China
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), China (plans for 5)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia
- Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait
- Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Russia
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Thailand
- Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH), China
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), China
- Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey (currently operating 5 runways)
Airports with Four Runways:
- Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), United States
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), China
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), United States
- Dulles International Airport (IAD), United States
- Memphis International Airport (MEM), United States
- Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), United States
- Nashville International Airport (BNA), United States
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), United States
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), United States
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), United States
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), United States
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), China (plans for 5)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), United States
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), United States
- Denver International Airport (DEN), United States
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), United States
- Wichita Falls Regional Airport (SPS), United States
Airports with Five Runways:
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), United States
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), United States
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada
Airports with Six Runways:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands
- Denver International Airport (DEN), United States
- Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), United States
Airports with Seven Runways:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), United States
Airports with Eight Runways:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), United States
This list is based on the most current information available and may be subject to change due to airport expansions or changes in operational status.
It is not exhaustive but includes many major airports with three or more runways worldwide as of April 20, 2025.
The operational capabilities for simultaneous landings and take-offs depend on various factors, including runway separation and air traffic control procedures.
