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Unique Fact About Airport:  The world is packed with unique infrastructure marvels, which are a perfect blend of technology and convenience. From airports to trains, everything is built to make human life easy. Over the years, with growing technology, countries across the globe have come up with innovative and breakthrough ideas to improve the standard of living worldwide. One such magnificent structure is a one-of-a-kind Airport where a train passes through the middle of the runway. You heard it right. Imagine an Airport where you will find trains crossing?

This infrastructure marvel also raises many questions, like why it was built, safety measures, operational procedures and much more. Let’s take a close look at this airport, from its location to its construction, along with the reasons why it was built.

Where Is The Airport Located?

The world's only airport where a train crosses the runway is Gisborne Airport on New Zealand’s eastern coast in the North Island. The airport covers approximately 160 hectares of area and has a one-of-a-kind infrastructure where the Palmerston North–Gisborne railway line divides the major runway into almost two parts. This unique situation leads to tight working, with disciplined timings and coordination between the two modes of transportation, rail and air traffic control.

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How Does Gisborne Airport Manage Both Trains And Aircraft?

Gisborne Airport is not like any other normal airport. Here, runways are not just used by aircraft. Both trains and aircraft share the same route, but strategically, never at the same time. The airport regulates the railway signals to stop trains whenever aircraft have to take off or land. Same way, aircraft are stopped if a train is passing through it. This close coordination guarantees safety, with continuous communication between the airport's air traffic controllers and railway authorities.

Through this train track, which is situated in the middle of a runway, approximately 15 trains cross a year, which are primarily old steam trains are work for the sake of tourism, especially in the summer seasons.

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This whole story about an airport where a train passes through the middle of the runway is proof of technical credibility and a success story of efficient teamwork in transport operations. This unusual collaboration between railway and aeroplane is unmatched. However, Wynyard Airport in Tasmania, Australia, tried the same system, but later, in 2005, it stopped running rail traffic, which makes Gisborne one of its kind.

Why Does A Train Cross The Runway?

Gisborne Airport witnesses more than 1.5 lakh passengers per year and over 60 domestic flights every week. Apart from its unusual runway, the airport also possesses three auxiliary grass runways. The magnificent collaboration of trains and aircraft at Gisborne has turned the airport into a fascinating phenomenon on the internet and among aviation enthusiasts. This airport also draws numerous travellers.

Gisborne Airport is an infrastructure marvel and an example which highlights how transport systems can be cleverly integrated even in confined spaces without reducing efficiency or safety.

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