Is this the scariest airport in the world? Pilots forced to avoid TRAINS across the runway
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Plus, the incredible airport that has a lounge just for teens
- Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
IT'S stressful enough to land a plane without having to dodge a train too, but that is what the pilots have to do at an airport in New Zealand.
Gisborne is one of the world's scariest airports because a railway line cuts right across the main runway.
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Across the runway of Gisborne Airport is the Palmerston North–Gisborne Line which is the secondary main line railway in the North Island.
Traffic controllers must coordinate plane takeoffs and landings with train arrivals at the airport, thanks to the intersecting paths.
Of course, the area is very well controlled. But, just the thought of two kinds of transportation colliding, is enough to make anyone nervous.
As of 2024, the only train that crosses Gisborne Airport's runway is the Gisborne City Vintage Railway's steam train.
The local train travels between Gisborne and Muriwai and only makes its journey 15 times a year.
It operates mainly during the summer and when cruise ships are visiting.
The regional airport of Gisborne has a single terminal with four tarmac gates and covers an area of around 400 acres.
Located in the Elgin suburb, Gisborne is one of the 62 airports of New Zealand.
Air New Zealand operates daily non-stop flights from Gisborne to Auckland.
The longest flight from Gisborne is a 154 mile non-stop route to Wellington.
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Gisborne is a city on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
It's known for its wineries and beaches that are ideal for surfing.
In the centre of the city is the art-deco Town Clock, which stands 56 feet tall and was built in 1934.
There are also historical sites like Maunga Hikurangi which is the sacred mountain of the Ngāti Porou people.
It's also the first place in the world to see the sunrise.
In Gisborne is New Zealand's largest naturally-made water slide called Rere Rockslide.
The slide falls 60 metres and finishes in a four-metre-deep swimming hole.
For history fans if you head north, you'll find Tolaga Bay Wharf which is where Captain Cook sailed in when the navy ship first reached New Zealand.
This is an airport in Europe that has a lounge for teens, unique museum and even a spa.
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