The only airport in the world where a train crosses the runway
AT most airports, planes have the runway all to themselves. But in New Zealand’s Gisborne Airport, things work a little differently. Here, trains and aircraft take turns using the same runway. It’s one of the few airports in the world where a railway line runs straight through the middle of the main runway, creating a rare sight that leaves visitors both puzzled and fascinated.
Located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Gisborne is a small city with a one-of-a-kind airport. Spread across 160 hectares, the airport is intersected by the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line, which divides the main runway nearly in half. Both the airport and railway operate between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm daily, after which the runway is closed.
Due to this unusual setup, trains and planes must give way to each other. If a train is passing through, an aircraft must wait, and vice versa. Interestingly, the airport controls the railway signals, halting trains when necessary to allow flights to land or take off. The line connects Gisborne to the nearby town of Muriwai.
Coordinating flight and train schedules without overlap is a daily challenge for the airport staff, who manage both with great precision.
While Wynyard Airport in Tasmania once had a similar configuration, it ceased rail operations in 2005, making Gisborne the only airport in the world where trains still cross an active runway.
Despite its modest size, Gisborne Airport handles more than 60 domestic flights a week and sees over 1.5 lakh passengers annually. In addition to the main runway, the airport has three secondary ones, adding to its unique design.
Apart from this engineering quirk, Gisborne Airport also serves as a gateway to the region’s natural beauty, from green fields to serene beaches. But what truly makes it memorable is the rare sight of a train and an aeroplane patiently waiting for each other on the runway, a moment that frequently goes viral on social media and delights aviation lovers around the world.
