{"id":158038,"date":"2026-09-19T11:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T05:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158038"},"modified":"2026-09-19T10:22:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T04:52:59","slug":"istanbul-airport-hits-six-runways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/19\/istanbul-airport-hits-six-runways\/","title":{"rendered":"Busiest Airport in Europe Unleashes New Era With \u20ac890 Million Runway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ISTANBUL\u2014<\/strong> President Recep Tayyip Erdo\u011fan has described Istanbul Airport (IST)<\/a> as a global aviation leader after inaugurating its fourth main runway on September 18, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the latest infrastructure investment would strengthen the hub\u2019s international connectivity while improving operational efficiency, safety and service standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new runway measures 2,820 meters (9,252 feet) in length and 45 meters (148 feet) in width, becoming Istanbul Airport\u2019s first runway aligned on an east-west axis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its opening increases the airport\u2019s total runway count from five to six, with officials expecting shorter taxiing and waiting times, particularly for domestic and eastbound flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Busiest
Photo :Milan Suvajac | Wikimedia Commons | https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Istanbul_Airport_Turkish-Airlines_2013-11-18_(3).jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul Airport Opens 4th Main Runway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Erdo\u011fan said the \u20ac890 million ($1.01 billion) runway investment would help reduce fuel consumption, flight-related waiting and emissions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its location near the airport\u2019s hangar areas is also expected to accelerate general aviation operations and provide greater flexibility when weather conditions affect normal traffic flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Directorate General of Civil Aviation completed the licensing process for the runway on September 17, adding it to Istanbul Airport\u2019s operating license before its inauguration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulator said the project is intended to increase operational capacity and flexibility while reducing taxi times on selected routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airport already connects T\u00fcrkiye with more than 340 destinations through cooperation with over 110 airlines, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uralo\u011flu. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new east-west runway adds another operating configuration to a hub that previously had three main north-south runways and two reserve runways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo: Istanbul Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Erdo\u011fan Highlights Investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Erdo\u011fan said the Turkish government has invested 2.12 trillion Turkish liras ($43.5 billion) in transportation and infrastructure in Istanbul at current prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of that amount, 604.4 billion liras ($12.4 billion) went toward aviation infrastructure, according to figures he presented at the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also pointed to T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s broader air transport growth, saying passenger traffic across the country exceeded 167.5 million during the first eight months of 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erdo\u011fan said the country had expanded its active airport network from 26 airports in 2002 to 58.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Busiest
Photo- iGA Istanbul Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future Aviation Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Erdo\u011fan said activities associated with Istanbul Airport currently contribute around 2.2% of T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s gross domestic product, or about $24.2 billion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that the airport is projected to support 472,000 jobs and generate $44 billion in revenue by 2030, Hurriyet Daily News<\/a> flagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The president also linked the airport\u2019s future growth to regional stability, saying its position could become even more significant if conflicts in the surrounding region end and conditions become more peaceful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pledged further investment to maintain Istanbul Airport\u2019s position as a major international aviation hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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