This airport is considered the scariest in the world — here’s why

Gisborne Airport in New Zealand is one of the world's most unusual airports, with a railway line crossing its main runway. This unique setup means that planes can be landing or taking off while a train traverses the tarmac, posing a nerve-wracking scenario for travelers. The Gisborne City Vintage Railway’s steam train, which crosses the airport about 15 times a year, adds to the thrill. This intersection requires meticulous coordination between air traffic controllers and pilots, especially since the airport handles over 60 domestic flights daily, serving as a crucial link to the Gisborne region.
In contrast to Gisborne's operational challenges, Istanbul Airport, Turkey, has garnered attention for its exorbitant food prices, with items like a $19.95 beer and a $28 piece of lasagna. These costs have shocked travelers and sparked discussions about airport dining expenses. Amidst these concerns, experts advise travelers to avoid certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages, to prevent dehydration and discomfort during flights, emphasizing the importance of mindful consumption while traveling.
RATING
The article provides an intriguing look at Gisborne Airport's unique railway-runway intersection and high pricing at Istanbul Airport. While it captures reader interest with these unusual features, the article lacks depth in sourcing and transparency, which impacts its overall reliability. The narrative is clear and engaging but could benefit from a more cohesive structure and balanced perspective. The piece appeals to public interest by addressing safety and cost concerns but falls short in its potential to drive significant public discourse or policy change. Overall, the story is an engaging read with room for improvement in sourcing and structure.
RATING DETAILS
The article presents several factual claims, some of which are verified, while others require further validation. The claim that Gisborne Airport in New Zealand has a railway line crossing its main runway is accurate and supported by multiple sources. However, the frequency of train crossings, stated as '15 times a year,' lacks specific verification in the sources consulted. Additionally, the article mentions safety coordination between air and rail traffic, which is corroborated by sources describing the operational challenges at Gisborne Airport. The section on Istanbul Airport's pricing lacks supporting evidence, making these claims less reliable. Overall, while some key facts are accurate, others need more robust sourcing or clarity.
The article primarily focuses on the unusual feature of Gisborne Airport and the high prices at Istanbul Airport, without providing a broad range of perspectives. It lacks input from aviation experts or local authorities who could provide additional insights into the operational challenges and safety measures at Gisborne Airport. The piece could benefit from a more balanced view by including testimonials from passengers or pilots who have experienced these airports. The mention of Istanbul Airport's pricing feels somewhat disconnected from the main narrative, suggesting a lack of balance in topic focus.
The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a narrative that is easy to follow. It uses simple language to describe the unusual characteristics of Gisborne Airport and the pricing at Istanbul Airport. However, the transition between topics is abrupt, particularly when shifting from discussing Gisborne to Istanbul, which may confuse readers about the article's main focus. More cohesive structuring and clearer delineation between separate topics would enhance clarity.
The article references the Daily Mail and an unnamed Facebook post, neither of which are directly cited, reducing source credibility. The inclusion of Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera and L’Economia for the Istanbul Airport pricing adds some authority, but these are not directly quoted or linked, limiting their reliability. The story would benefit from more authoritative sources, such as official statements from Gisborne Airport or interviews with aviation experts, to enhance credibility and depth.
The article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not clearly identify where certain claims originate, such as the frequency of train crossings at Gisborne Airport or the specific instances of pricing at Istanbul Airport. The absence of direct quotes or links to primary sources makes it difficult for readers to verify the information independently. Greater transparency in the article's sourcing and the basis for its claims would significantly improve its reliability.
Sources
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r46DgvdZrT0
- https://simpleflying.com/gisborne-airport-new-zealand/
- https://erail.in/blog/gisborne-airport-runway-with-railway-crossing/37
- https://www.newzealand.com/us/plan/business/gisborne-city-vintage-railway/
- https://www.amusingplanet.com/2013/08/gisborne-airport-runway-with-railway.html
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Turkey and Greece expand military confidence-building measures
Score 6.8
'We're simply not ready': REAL ID rollout could trigger national headache, state lawmaker warns
Score 6.4
Passenger shocked after crew offered him thousands to get off the plane
Score 6.4
Government censorship comes to Bluesky, but not its third-party apps ... yet
Score 6.4