The Only Airport in the World Where Trains Cross the Runway - Here’s How
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Airports are usually symbols of speed and efficiency, but Gisborne Airport in New Zealand takes it a step further with an extraordinary twist. Here, trains literally cross the runway, blending rail and air transport in a way no other airport in the world does. This rare infrastructure wonder has captured the imagination of travellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
A Unique Location on New Zealand’s Coast
Gisborne Airport is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, spreading across 160 hectares. What makes it truly remarkable is that the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line cuts across its main runway. This rare setup requires precise planning and seamless coordination between air traffic and rail authorities to maintain safety and efficiency.
How Trains and Planes Share the Runway
Unlike conventional airports, Gisborne Airport manages both aircraft and trains on the same stretch of tarmac - but never simultaneously. When a plane is preparing to land or take off, railway signals halt trains. Conversely, aircraft movements are paused when a train crosses. Typically, about 15 trains - mostly vintage steam trains for tourism - pass through the runway each year, mainly during the summer season.
The Safety and Coordination Behind the Scenes
This shared runway demonstrates incredible teamwork and technical precision. Continuous communication between air traffic controllers and railway operators ensures the smooth functioning of both transport systems. While other airports, like Wynyard Airport in Tasmania, Australia, attempted similar setups, Gisborne remains the only active airport where this unusual arrangement still exists.
Why This Airport Is a Must-See
Gisborne Airport serves over 150,000 passengers annually and handles more than 60 domestic flights weekly. Its unique runway, supplemented by three grass auxiliary runways, makes it a rare marvel of engineering. The seamless integration of trains and planes highlights how clever design and cooperation can create efficient, safe, and fascinating transport solutions - even in limited spaces.
Gisborne Airport is more than just a transport hub - it’s a living example of innovation and collaboration. By allowing trains to cross its runway safely, it has become a one-of-a-kind destination, captivating travellers, engineers, and aviation fans worldwide.
A Unique Location on New Zealand’s Coast
Gisborne Airport is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, spreading across 160 hectares. What makes it truly remarkable is that the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line cuts across its main runway. This rare setup requires precise planning and seamless coordination between air traffic and rail authorities to maintain safety and efficiency.
How Trains and Planes Share the Runway
Unlike conventional airports, Gisborne Airport manages both aircraft and trains on the same stretch of tarmac - but never simultaneously. When a plane is preparing to land or take off, railway signals halt trains. Conversely, aircraft movements are paused when a train crosses. Typically, about 15 trains - mostly vintage steam trains for tourism - pass through the runway each year, mainly during the summer season.
The Safety and Coordination Behind the Scenes
This shared runway demonstrates incredible teamwork and technical precision. Continuous communication between air traffic controllers and railway operators ensures the smooth functioning of both transport systems. While other airports, like Wynyard Airport in Tasmania, Australia, attempted similar setups, Gisborne remains the only active airport where this unusual arrangement still exists.
Why This Airport Is a Must-See
Gisborne Airport serves over 150,000 passengers annually and handles more than 60 domestic flights weekly. Its unique runway, supplemented by three grass auxiliary runways, makes it a rare marvel of engineering. The seamless integration of trains and planes highlights how clever design and cooperation can create efficient, safe, and fascinating transport solutions - even in limited spaces.
Gisborne Airport is more than just a transport hub - it’s a living example of innovation and collaboration. By allowing trains to cross its runway safely, it has become a one-of-a-kind destination, captivating travellers, engineers, and aviation fans worldwide.
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