LTFM Istanbul runways and takeoff performance

Runways at LTFM

The main direction is a set of five parallel runways (17L/35R, 17R/35L, 16L/34R, 16R/34L and 18/36) on 174/354° true. 09/27 lies 85° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways.

Lengths run from 2,819 m on 09/27 to 4,100 m on 17L/35R, a difference of 1,281 m.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 17L (4,100 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 60 °C, while 09 (2,819 m) needs CONF 2 and 57 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 325 ft above sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 17L matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 60 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 17L (4,100 m). The limiting end is 27 (2,819 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 47 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Nearby airports

• LGAV Athens299 NM
• LOWW Vienna660 NM
• EPWA Warsaw Chopin727 NM
• LIRF Rome Fiumicino740 NM

All airports

LTFM questions

How long is the longest runway at LTFM?

Runway 17L/35R at Istanbul is 4,100 m (13,451 ft) long and 60 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of Istanbul?

İstanbul Airport sits at 325 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at LTFM?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 2 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at LTFM limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 17L (4,100 m). The limiting end is 27 (2,819 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 47 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.