Long runways have become a necessity in our modern world as they allow large planes to take off and land safely.
This article will explore the top 10 longest runways in the world and the reasons behind their construction.
Top 10 Longest Runways in the World
Shigatse Peace Airport Runway 09/27, China
The Shigatse Peace Airport Runway 09/27 in China is the longest runway in the world. It measures about 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
This airport is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,782 meters (12,407 feet). It is usually used by military aircraft, cargo planes, and some passenger flights.
The long runway’s construction was necessary because of the high altitude in order to reduce the amount of air available for planes to take off.
Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport Runway 02/20, Russia
The second longest runway in the world is the Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport Runway 02/20 in Russia. It also measures about 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
The Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport is located in the Volga River valley at an altitude of 70 meters (230 feet). Additionally, it is used by heavy cargo planes, such as the Antonov An-225, and military aircraft.
Embraer Unidade Gavião Peixoto Airport Runway, Brazil
The Embraer Unidade Gavião Peixoto Airport Runway in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil is the third longest runway in the world, measuring 4,967 meters (16,295 feet).
It is located at an altitude of 650 meters (2,133 feet). Just like the previously mentioned airports, this one is also used for cargo flights and for testing new aircraft, such as Embraer E-Jets.
Upington Airport Runway, South Africa
The Upington Airport in Upington, South Africa, measures about 4,900 meters (16,076 feet) making it the fourth longest runway in the world.
The airport is located at an altitude of 914 meters (2,999 feet) and is used by military aircraft, cargo planes, and some passenger flights.
Denver International Airport Runway, United States
The fifth longest runway in the world is at the Denver International Airport in Denver, United States.
The Denver International Airport runway measures about 4,877 meters (16,000 feet), and it is located at an altitude of 1,609 meters (5,278 feet).
Hamad International Airport Runway, Qatar
The sixth longest runway in the world is at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, measuring 4,850 meters (15,912 feet). It is located at an altitude of 25 meters (82 feet).
This runway is used for large passenger planes, such as the Airbus A380. The airport is also used for cargo flights.
Madrid-Torrejón Airport Runway, Spain
The seventh longest runway in the world is the Madrid-Torrejón Airport in Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain, measuring 4,818 meters (15,807 feet).
It is located at an altitude of 667 meters (2,188 feet). This long runway is used for military aircraft and cargo planes.
Erbil International Airport Runway, Iraq
The eighth longest runway in the world is the Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Iraq, measuring 4,800 meters (15,748 feet).
It is located at an altitude of 360 meters (1,181 feet) and used for military aircraft and cargo planes, as well as some large passenger planes.
King Fahd International Airport Runway, Saudi Arabia
The ninth runway on this list is the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
King Fahd International Airport measures 4,800 meters (15,748 feet), and it is located at an altitude of 12 meters (39 feet).
In addition to large passenger planes, such as the Airbus A380, the military aircraft also uses this runway.
Gaziantep Airport Runway, Turkey
The Gaziantep Airport in Gaziantep, Turkey is the tenth longest runway in the world, measuring 4,790 meters (15,717 feet).
This runway is located at an altitude of 654 meters (2,146 feet), and it is used for military aircraft and cargo planes.
Conclusion
In summary, most runways are just a few thousand feet. However, the airports mentioned in this article built extra long runways to let even the biggest planes fly in and out without facing any issues.
Furthermore, From the Himalayan heights of Shigatse to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, these runways represent major infrastructure investments that facilitate the growth and safe functioning of air travel involving big jets.