Archive · 3 Aug 2025
New Zealand Airport: Where Trains Cross the Runway
Imagine an airport where trains also use the runway!
That's Gisborne Airport in New Zealand.
A train track goes right across the main runway, which is very unusual.
Planes and trains share the runway, but not at the same time.
The airport tells the trains when to stop so planes can take off and land safely.
Both the airport and the railway only operate during the day.
The airport staff and train operators work together to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
Gisborne Airport in New Zealand is unique because a railway line crosses its main runway.
The railway line divides the main runway in half.
Trains and planes operate on the runway, but never at the same time.
Airport staff controls railway signals to halt trains when needed.
Both airport and railway operations are limited to between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm daily.
- Who
- Planes and trains share the runway.
- What
- A railway line intersects the main runway of Gisborne Airport.
- When
- Operating hours for both airport and railway are between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm daily.
- Where
- Gisborne Airport in New Zealand's North Island.
- Why
- To allow trains access to Gisborne while enabling air travel.
- Location
- Gisborne, New Zealand
- Uniqueness
- Railway line crossing the main runway
- Railway Line
- Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line
- Operation Coordination
- Airport controls railway signals
- Shared Use
- Planes and trains
- Operating Hours
- 6:30 am - 8:30 pm daily