Which runway is the longest in the world

International wide-body flights Boeing , Airbus A etc , which carry substantial amounts of fuel and thus are heavier, have landing and take-off length requirements in excess of 3,m at maximum take-off weight. It is not uncommon for the larger widebody aircraft to have a maximum take-off weight that is greater than the maximum landing weight. This is why these aircraft will often need to dump or burn off fuel before returning to the airport if needs be.

The length of this runway is underpinned by the high elevation and thus lower air density. Above: Qamdo Bamda Airport in Tibet. The choice of material used to construct a runway depends on the use and local ground conditions. For some airports, where the ground conditions permit, the most common pavement for long-term minimum maintenance is concrete.

Soil and land tests are undertaken at various points around the airport land to ensure a good understanding of the underground make-up, especially important living in the Southern Lakes of New Zealand around earthquake fault lines. Once constructed, the Runway surface is regularly maintained to ensure continued safety and to maximize friction for wheel braking.

There is a balance to be struck with respect to runway friction, as it needs to be sufficient enough to allow good braking, but not too great that it causes significant rolling resistance for an aircraft when it takes-off. The larger the aircraft, the longer the runway required. The more people and cargo on an aircraft, the longer the runway required. Environmental factors also play a role. The higher the elevation, the lower the atmosphere pressure or air density. This means the aircraft has to travel faster to take off and therefore needs a longer runway to do so.

Decreased atmospheric pressure also results in reduced engine thrust because the engine has less oxygen to burn. This means the aircraft must travel at a greater speed and for a longer distance to achieve a safe takeoff. The same principles that apply to elevation also apply to temperature. The higher the temperature, the lower the atmospheric pressure, the longer the runway needs to be.

Rest assured, it is! Stay informed: Sign up for our daily aviation news digest. Additional runway length can also help with unfavorable weather conditions, which, for landing, in particular, will help with safety.

Extra stopping distance may be required due to a slippery runway, perhaps lightly coated by snow. In fact, the airport and runway are situated 4, meters above sea level. As we alluded to above, high altitude affects engine performance and the ability for wings to acquire the lift needed to get the aircraft airborne.