AUCKLAND- Gisborne Airport (GIS) is the world’s only airport where an active railway line intersects a runway, creating a rare coordination challenge.
Trains from the Palmerston North–Gisborne line pass directly through the runway, a feature not seen at any other commercial airport today.
Operated near the eastern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, this unique transportation hub sees aircraft from Air New Zealand (NZ) and trains sharing space on a live runway, each halting for the other in a controlled and scheduled dance of safety and efficiency.
Photo: Daniel Garland | FlickrAirport Where Trains Cross Runway
At Gisborne Airport (GIS), an operational railway line crosses Runway 14/32, splitting it nearly in half. This unusual configuration is managed with precision and collaboration between aviation and rail control systems.
Trains from the Palmerston North–Gisborne line, part of New Zealand’s national rail network, pass through the airport multiple times a day, requiring coordination with arriving and departing flights.
Air New Zealand (NZ), the main airline serving this airport, operates over 60 domestic flights weekly. The airport handles an annual passenger volume of approximately 150,000, making it a modest yet significant regional transport node.
The rail line connects to nearby Muriwai and was historically vital for freight, though it now primarily sees infrequent services and heritage runs.
Airport authorities control the railway signals. If an aircraft is scheduled to land or take off, train traffic is halted until the runway is cleared. This setup runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the runway closed at night.
Photo: Daniel Garland | FlickrUnique Airport in the World
Globally, Gisborne Airport is now unique. Wynyard Airport in Tasmania previously featured a similar design, but its rail operations ceased in 2005.
That leaves Gisborne as the sole location where planes and trains still share a functional runway.
Despite the inherent risks, the airport has maintained a strong safety record thanks to stringent operational controls.
The system depends heavily on precise communication between air traffic control and railway operators, showcasing how infrastructure can be adapted in smaller cities without compromising safety.
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Photo: Gisborne Herald (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/gisborne-herald/news/gisborne-flights-cancelled-as-air-nz-planes-need-repairs/AGJSDVWZ5VAU7DTPJHZXWBVOVE/)Not Just a Runway
Spread over 160 hectares, Gisborne Airport includes three additional runways beyond the main one. While none of the secondary runways intersect with rail lines, their presence provides operational flexibility and redundancy.
Beyond the technical oddity, the airport is a visual spectacle. Tourists and aviation enthusiasts often gather, hoping to catch a rare scene of a train and an aircraft paused on either side of the runway.
Videos and photos from this location frequently circulate on social media, enhancing its reputation among curious travelers.
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At this Airport Planes Land in Three Countries at Once!
The post World’s Only Airport Where Trains Cross the Active Runway appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
