# Istanbul Airport inaugurates fourth main runway > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-istanbul-airport-runway-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-18T16:20:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 3. Istanbul Airport has officially inaugurated its fourth main runway, an 890 million euro project that increases the facility’s total runway count from five to six. Measuring 2,820 meters in length and 45 meters in width, this is the airport’s first east-west oriented runway, providing a departure from the existing north-south alignment. During the opening ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the expansion aims to improve service standards by reducing taxiing and airborne waiting times, while also saving fuel and time. The new orientation is expected to enhance operational flexibility and improve on-time departure rates, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Erdoğan further noted that these developments will increase safety during takeoff and landing. Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s strategic geographic position, noting that 1.5 billion people from 67 countries can reach the nation within a four-hour flight. He highlighted that the government is leveraging this connectivity through extensive investments in land, sea, and rail infrastructure. Addressing previous criticisms regarding the airport's location, terrain, and wind conditions, Erdoğan asserted that the facility has consistently broken records. He also noted that since 2002, the number of active airports in Turkey has increased from 26 to 58. Economically, the airport currently employs 202,000 people and contributes approximately 2.2 percent to Turkey’s national income, valued at roughly 24.2 billion dollars. The expansion is part of the Phase 2 investment plan by İGA Istanbul Airport. Recent facility investments also include the 485-room Hilton Istanbul Airport and the JETEX-İGA Terminal. Long-term strategic plans involve expanding to a total of nine runways to achieve an annual capacity of 200 million passengers. ## Claims - Istanbul Airport's fourth main runway has been inaugurated. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The new runway is 2,820 meters long and 45 meters wide. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The new runway is the airport's first east-west oriented runway. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The total number of runways at Istanbul Airport will increase to six. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Turkey has strengthened its position in civil aviation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The investment for the fourth runway cost 890 million euros. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Istanbul Airport contributes approximately 2.2 percent of Turkey's national income. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The long-term goal is to reach a capacity of 200 million passengers and nine runways. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Istanbul Airport opens fourth main runway Istanbul Airport has opened its fourth main runway, an 890 million euro east-west oriented project designed to increase operational flexibility and reduce flight waiting times. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-airport-opens-fourth-main-runway ### 2026-09-16: Istanbul Airport inaugurates fourth main runway Istanbul Airport has inaugurated its fourth main runway, an 890-million-euro east-west oriented strip that increases the total runway count to six and aims to boost operational efficiency and capacity. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giresun-child-honored-for-respectful-treatment-of-turkish-flag ### 2026-09-13: Istanbul Airport to open new east-west runway on September 18 Istanbul Airport will open its first east-west oriented fourth main runway on September 18, 2026, to increase capacity and reduce flight times. Erzurum Airport also reported August passenger statistics. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-airport-to-open-fourth-main-runway-on-september-18 --- Cite as: Istanbul Airport inaugurates fourth main runway. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260916-istanbul-airport-runway-expansion