IGA Istanbul Starts Flights on Three Runways Simultaneously

Book early and target the 05:40–07:00 window to catch the earliest departures on all three runways, giving you better time and fewer queues. istanbul is ready to absorb more traffic with smoother transfer flows and quicker gate transitions for passengers and crews.

IGA announced that flights will operate on three runways simultaneously, unlocking more routes and enabling faster turnarounds for passengers.

The economy sector of turkiye gains momentum as anadolujet adds promotions and a refreshed card program to attract both leisure guests and business travelers.

In the cabin, wi-fi speeds work for guests, and guest services in lounges add comfort; sleeping travelers appreciate quiet zones in the suite area.

Travelers were guided by clear signage and digital boards, while the istanbul hub links key routes and boosts turkiye’s aviation sector, improving tourism and business travel flow over the coming months.

Timeline of the three-runway rollout: what happens during the first hour

Admit a controlled stream of passengers and align three parallel operations: arrivals, departures, and ground handling. According to forecasts, the april window targets a smooth start, moving those admitted from landside checks to gates and stations with minimal backflow. Establish the table of movements to keep everybody informed, and ensure room for rapid adjustments. The system coordinates services, drinks, and baggage handling so there is a clear place for each action, with smiles on staff faces guiding travelers.

In the first few minutes, the host operations room activates synchronized arrival and departure sequences across all runways. Current status boards show gates and stations, while the control desk assigns those aircraft to specific areas to prevent cross-traffic. The foundation is tight, and crews begin routine checks on security lanes, baggage belts, and aircraft preparation, without rushing critical steps. There, everyone focuses on a stable rhythm to avoid early bottlenecks.

From minute 5 to minute 15, the three streams run in parallel but with strict prioritization rules. Arrival streams landside feed passenger movement toward predefined gates, while departure streams pull crews and aircraft from stands to the runways. Airlines with low-cost profiles receive targeted slots to maximize throughput, while royal and full-service carriers keep to stable, clearly marked paths. The table updates constantly, and those updates drive quick decisions at the room level, ensuring a smooth handoff between areas and stations and keeping the crowd calm with clear directions.

Phase 1: Initial separation and gate alignment

Phase 1 concentrates on separating inbound and outbound flows at the start, so queues on the landside decrease and passengers reach the gates efficiently. Place signage and staff at key junctions to guide travelers toward their gates and to minimize cross-traffic between areas. For those admitted, the first hour sets a baseline: a steady pace from check-in to airside access, with minimal waiting times at popular gates. Staff use the table to track individual flights and adjust staffing levels in real time, optimizing service continuity even when a flight arrives earlier than expected.

Phase 2: Passenger flows and services

Phase 2 expands the footprint of services as more flights join the rollout. Operators synchronize boarding calls with gate readiness, so departures depart promptly and arrivals clear stands without overlap. Areas around lounges and concessions stay responsive; drinks and light bites appear on demand to support onboard connections, especially for Asia-bound itineraries. The basis remains a predictable cadence: those on the floor know where to go, the host team ensures smooth transitions, and the system provides real-time feedback to staff to sustain momentum. By the end of the first hour, the three-runway network demonstrates resilience, and the operation team can begin absorbing additional flights while maintaining consistency across gates and stations.

Real-time runway allocation: how flights are assigned across three runways

Implement a rolling 15-minute allocation: assign arrivals to Runway 1, departures to Runway 2, and keep Runway 3 as flexible overflow. This reduces taxi times and keeps istanbuls busiest travel corridors moving, while weather changes or wake turbulence are managed in real time. Use cirium forecasts to adjust the mix every few minutes, ensuring the system remains a playground for optimization rather than a rigid schedule. A suitesmile moment occurs when a late arrival fits Runway 3’s gap without delaying others. This creates additional capacity on the busiest days.

Real-time sequencing rules

Operationally, the winner is the sequence that minimizes total delay across arrivals and departures while preserving safety margins. In practice, the rule set prioritizes safety and reliability while maximizing throughput. Emergencies and medical flights jump ahead; routine arrivals and departures share Runway 1 and Runway 2 in a balanced pattern. During peak windows, arrivals land on Runway 1 first, departures use Runway 2, and Runway 3 closes the loop for overflow or wind-driven adjustments. The target spacing for arrivals sits around 2.5-3 minutes, with departures at 2-3 minutes; gaps are absorbed by Runway 3 as needed. This approach reduces delay during istanbuls busiest periods, with march and april forecasts suggesting tangible gains for travellers and airlines alike.

Passenger experience and data backdrop

Beyond sequencing, the three-runway layout supports a smoother passenger journey. Ground handling aligns with the real-time plan, and the system respects holders of slots and long-term planning needs. An accessible airport experience means faster taxi times, clearer gate assignments, and fewer mid-air holds. Passengers heading to the bosphorus-facing terminals can enjoy loungepair spaces with a cuisine mix that includes france cuisine options and options for alcoholic beverages, all designed for comfort during the travelling process. The approach draws on cirium forecasts and real-time data to keep the rhythm consistent, helping the capital region and istanbuls corridors align with demand, even as march and april bring seasonal bumps.

Ground handling and gate availability during simultaneous operations

Implement independent ground handling teams for each runway cluster and bind them to a central operations board here. Use diio data to align facilities, departure sequences, and passenger movement, with the goal of keeping gates open for all routes and avoiding delays.

1. Allocate independent teams for each runway group to reduce cross-talk and gate conflicts; assign dedicated baggage, catering, and pushback crews.
2. Reserve gate blocks and central ramps so two to three routes can operate without overlap; mark areas and ensure clear through-traffic lanes for equipment.
3. Maintain a facilities map including sleeping lounges, wi-fi zones, and visitors information; ensure signage matches the central gate map.
4. Coordinate passenger flows with business and class segments; use dedicated boarding and access lanes to speed departure.
5. Share slots with hubs and alliance partners; align with Airbus operations where applicable to minimize turnaround times.
6. In March, test three-runway windows with a dry run using typical aircraft types and measure time to pushback and gate release; adjust as needed.
7. Provide real-time updates through wi-fi dashboards, showing which gates are occupied, which facilities are available, and which time blocks are open for arrivals and departures.
8. Without compromising safety, keep the central control room as the only place to authorize gate holds or releases; ensure related teams receive alerts when a gate becomes free.
9. Track departure and arrival blocks against planned times and report variances by route and area; use the data to optimize future allocations.

Istanbul Lounge stay: maximum duration, eligibility, and check-in rules

Plan a 3-hour stay as standard; you may extend to 4 hours if you hold a business-class ticket, a premium membership, or a dragonpass that allows longer access. Desk staff verify eligibility for holders and members; seats are allocated on a first-come basis, with meeting spaces available for quick discussions. Here, istanbuls lounges are hosted by friendly teams that guide travellers throughout the day; the facilities at IST and sabiha are operational, letting you recharge without rushing your next flight. The region’s lounges see very high turnover during peak hours, so arrive early to secure seats and continue your journey smoothly; signage and suitesmile branding at the entrance help you locate the desk and start your visit without delay.

Eligibility

Access typically covers active members from an airline alliance, dragonpass holders, and guests travelling on a valid ticket in business or premium cabin. Members with a lounge membership linked to partner programs can enter IST and sabiha lounges with their ID and lounge card. Holders must present a current boarding pass and matching ID at the desk; enforcement is consistent throughout istanbuls lounge network, and hosts will confirm seat availability before granting entry. Currently, family or accompanying travelers gain access only when accompanied by an eligible member; the desk answers questions about eligibility and ensures compliance with regional rules while you plan a brief meeting or a quiet work session.

Check-in rules

To check in, approach the desk with your boarding pass and government ID, then present your lounge membership card or dragonpass verification. If you are travelling on a flight from istanbuls hubs, staff will review your connection time and direct you to available seats or a quiet area for a short meeting. Guests may be asked to wait briefly if the lounge is at capacity; in such cases, you’ll receive guidance to return when space frees up. Desk staff handle lounge access for united travelers as part of the alliance network, and guides are on hand to assist with directions to facilities, restrooms, and power outlets. Here and throughout IST and sabiha, hosts ensure smooth entry procedures, assist with seating, and help you continue your journey with minimal interruption. If you need to verify your status, you can check in at the desk and receive a welcome guide that outlines current rules and any temporary changes in the airspace or security process that might affect access.

Practical tips for launch day: timing, connections, and lounge planning

Lock the first available flight slot on all three runways and route transfers through a single express corridor to minimize dwell time and maximize operational efficiency.

Coordinate timing with asia-based partners and a digital system to align arrivals with gates and avoid bottlenecks. Use forecasts from the council to adjust staffing and enter contingency plans as needed.

Assign an independent transfers team and a streamlined lounge desk. Issue an access card for elite travelers and crew, and reserve space in open lounges. Programs will support a worldwide service regardless of origin and help keep throughput smooth, without downtime.

For lounge planning, designate a dedicated space for first-class and elite passengers, with a passengers-only zone and fast-track entry. Keep signage bilingual and accessible to staff with the card reader; aim to keep roughly 15-20 minutes of clearance time between transfer blocks to avoid crowding.