The new 2,840-meter runway completed at iGA Istanbul Airport is expected to open for departure operations in August and reduce taxi times.
The new runway, measuring 2,840 meters in length and completed at iGA Istanbul Airport, is planned to enter service in August. The runway, which will be used only for departure operations, is expected to increase capacity and reduce taxi and waiting times.
iGA Istanbul Airport prepares to commission its new runway
iGA Istanbul Airport is preparing to put its newly completed runway into service in August to conduct air traffic operations more efficiently and increase departure capacity during peak hours. According to information obtained by Airport Gündem, the runway, which is 2,840 meters long and 45 meters wide, will be used only for departure operations in the 09 direction.
With the commissioning of the new runway, the number of independent runway operations at Istanbul Airport is expected to increase, while a more flexible structure in air traffic management is targeted.
It will contribute to independent four-runway operations
The new runway, planned as an addition to the existing runway system, will strengthen Istanbul Airport’s operational capacity. Located close to the G pier area and the 300-series aircraft parking positions, the runway is expected to be used primarily for domestic departures.
Thanks to the independently designed runway, four independent runway operations will be possible at Istanbul Airport under suitable weather and traffic conditions. This is intended to reduce departure queues, aircraft ground waiting times and operational delays, especially during peak hours.
Technical specifications of the new runway
Feature Information
- Runway length 2,840 meters
- Runway width 45 meters
- Direction of use Direction 09
- Type of operation Departures only
- Planned opening August
- Priority use Commercial flights and primarily domestic departures
The runway will not be dedicated to business jets
Due to the length of the new runway, some circles have suggested that it would be used only by business jets or private aircraft. However, according to the information obtained, the runway was designed to serve the departure operations of standard passenger aircraft.
The runway will not be a special area reserved for private aircraft, business jets or unmanned aerial vehicles. Commercial passenger aircraft departures will be carried out on the runway as part of Istanbul Airport’s general air traffic.
Because the new runway is located close to the general aviation area, some general aviation operations may also use it, but it was stated that the runway will not be allocated solely to these flights.
It can be used in northerly and southerly operations
It has been learned that the new runway was planned to be used under different wind conditions. Within suitable wind limits, the runway will be able to adapt to existing runway configurations in both northerly and southerly operations.
Some restrictions may be applied to the runway’s use due to the tailwind effect that may occur if the wind blows strongly from approximately 270 degrees. Wind direction and speed will be among the factors taken into account in the runway’s daily operational planning.
It will operate in integration with the existing runway system
The new runway will not be operated as an independent system separate from the existing runways at Istanbul Airport, but as part of the overall runway structure.
It was stated that, depending on weather conditions and traffic density, the runway may be used in coordination with runways 35-36 or 17-18. The runway configuration to be applied will be determined by air traffic control units according to operational conditions.
Taxi times and fuel consumption will decrease
With the new runway entering service, the time aircraft spend moving between terminals and parking areas and departure points is expected to be shortened.
In particular, aircraft departing from the G pier and nearby parking positions are expected to reach the runway more quickly, reducing taxi times. Shorter taxi times are expected to contribute to airline operations by lowering fuel consumption and ground waiting times.
This arrangement is also expected to have a positive impact on operational efficiency, on-time flight performance and the passenger experience.
New runway information will be published in the AIP
It has been learned that the aviation documents related to the new runway have been completed and departure procedures have been prepared. The standard instrument departure procedures for runway use have also reportedly been made ready for the official publication process.
The runway’s technical details and operational information are planned to be included in the Aeronautical Information Publication expected to be issued on August 8. The runway is expected to open for operations once the official publication process is completed.
Istanbul Airport’s capacity will be strengthened
iGA Istanbul Airport, which entered service in 2018, will gain more flexible traffic management capabilities during peak hours with the commissioning of the new runway.
The new runway is expected to increase departure capacity, help airlines plan their operations more efficiently and strengthen Istanbul Airport’s position as a global transfer hub.
