Most airports worldwide have dedicated runways for aircraft, but Gisborne Airport in New Zealand operates differently. Located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, this small city airport is one of the very few in the world where a railway track runs directly across the main runway.
Rail Line Divides the Main Runway
Spread over 160 hectares, Gisborne Airport is intersected by the Palmerston North–Gisborne railway line. This track cuts right through the middle of the airport’s main runway, dividing it nearly in half. Both the airport and the railway operate daily between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm. After that, the entire runway is closed for operations.
Planes and Trains Take Turns
At Gisborne, aircraft and trains must wait for each other. If a train is scheduled to pass, planes are made to wait, and vice versa. The airport has control over the railway signals and halts train movement when an aircraft needs to land or take off. The railway line connects Gisborne to Muriwai, a nearby town.
Managing Two Transport Modes with Precision
Coordinating both air and rail traffic without causing delays is a daily task for the airport authorities. Staff ensure that flight and train schedules are perfectly aligned, making the entire system work smoothly despite the shared infrastructure.
The Only Active Setup of Its Kind
Although Wynyard Airport in Tasmania once had a similar runway-crossing rail setup, it stopped train operations in 2005. This makes Gisborne Airport the only functioning airport in the world where trains still cross an active runway.
A Busy Yet Unusual Airport
Despite its unique arrangement, Gisborne Airport operates more than 60 domestic flights every week and serves over 1.5 lakh passengers each year. The airport also has three additional runways besides the main one, enhancing its operational flexibility.
A Memorable Sight for Travellers
In addition to serving as an access point to New Zealand’s scenic east coast, Gisborne Airport has become famous for the unusual sight of an aeroplane and a train waiting for each other on the same path. This rare moment often captures attention online, making the airport a favorite among aviation and railway enthusiasts.
