New Zeeland: July 30, 2025
In a world full of high-tech airports and futuristic infrastructure, a small town in New Zealand offers something truly extraordinary. Welcome to *Gisborne Airport, located on the North Island of New Zealand — where *railway tracks cut right through the airport’s runway!
Yes, you read that right. This rare phenomenon makes Gisborne one of the very few airports in the world where trains and planes literally share space. A railway line passes directly across the airport runway, creating a scene that looks like it came straight out of a movie.
How Does It Work?
The Gisborne Airport operates only between 6:40 AM and 8:30 PM every day. Outside these hours, both flights and trains are halted. But here’s the catch: whenever a plane is about to land or take off, the authorities temporarily stop train services to ensure safety.
To avoid any chaos, the airport and railway services *strictly follow a coordinated timetable. Both systems work hand-in-hand to ensure that *no train or flight ever overlaps on the shared path. Safety remains the top priority.
A Global Rarity
This isn’t just a local quirk. The Gisborne Airport is recognized globally for this *unusual setup. It stands as a *testament to clever infrastructure planning, showing how two different modes of transport can coexist with minimal disruption.
While it may sound risky at first, the system is run with military-level precision. Trains are halted well in advance, and airport operations are conducted only after getting the all-clear.
Why Is It Famous?
Over the years, this small-town airport has attracted aviation enthusiasts, photographers, and curious travelers from all over the world. Many come just to witness the surreal moment when a train makes way for a flying aircraft.
In the age of automation, this manual coordination system might seem outdated. But in Gisborne, it works flawlessly — and that’s what makes it special.
Key Highlights:
- Location: Gisborne, North Island, New Zealand
- Unique Feature: Railway line runs across the runway
- Operating Hours: 6:40 AM to 8:30 PM
- Safety Measures: Trains halted during aircraft landings and takeoffs
- Coordination: Strict schedules to prevent overlap