World’s only airport where train passes through the middle of the runway, it is in…, it is controlled by…

There are many places in the world which are known for their unique features. One such unique place which you might have never heard of before is a railway line in between a runway. This unique place is nothing but an airport whose runway has a railway line passing through it and trains also pass through this railway line. 

Where is this airport?

This airport is located in Gisborne city of New Zealand, which is known as Gisborne Airport. The most surprising thing about this airport is that a railway line cuts its main runway, and many times the airplane has to wait for the train to pass to take off or land. This is the only airport in the world where trains and airplanes have to give way to each other.

Railway line divides the runway into two parts almost from the middle

According to the information received about the airport, the airport is spread over about 160 hectares. This airport is famous all over the world for its unique structure. The main runway of this airport is 1,310 meters long which cuts through the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line. This railway line divides the runway into two parts almost in the middle. Both the airport and the railway line remain operational continuously from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. After this the runway is closed for security reasons.

How airports and railways are operated?

For the safe operation of trains and planes, the airport staff has to manage the time-table of flights and trains in such a way that there is no conflict between the two. When a plane is about to land or take off, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) controls the railway signals and gives the train a signal to stop. Similarly, when a train has to cross the runway, it has to take permission from the ATC. Railway signals have been installed on both sides of the runway, which instruct the train to stop or proceed. When a plane is on the runway, the railway signal remains red, and the train has to stop. Similarly, when the train is crossing the runway, the plane has to wait. This arrangement lasts from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, and after this the runway is closed to prevent any accidents.

Although earlier Wynyard Airport in Tasmania, Australia also had a similar runway, where the railway line used to cross the runway, but this arrangement ended after the closure of rail traffic in 2005. In this way, Gisborne Airport is now the only airport in the world where this unique sight can be seen. Apart from one main runway, the airport also has three grass runways, which are suitable for light aircraft. Apart from this, there is also a Tarawhiti Aviation Museum, where historical objects and aircraft related to aviation are displayed.

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