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Tabletop runways are often constructed by excavating the peaks of hills to create a table-top. They are commonly found in mountainous areas where flat land is scarce, or in low-lying areas where space is limited. Such runways have steep drops at one or both ends, increasing the possibility of injuries and fatalities if pilots under or overshoot their approach, either through human error or mechanical failure. Due to the way the runways line up with the horizon and edge of the mountain, it creates an optical illusion that hides the drop. Pilots who have no experience at an airport with a tabletop runway might misjudge the remaining length of the runway and accidentally overshoot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Atop a plateau or hill |
| Ends | One or both ends face a steep precipice or drop into a deep gorge |
| Illusion | Optical illusion that makes them appear at the same level as the plains below |
| Precision | Require a precision approach with little to no room for errors |
| Landing | Tricky for landing and take-offs |
| Visibility | Poor visibility conditions |
| Length | Shorter runways |
| Maintenance | Require extra skill and caution while carrying out flight operations |
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What You'll Learn
- Table-top runways are often constructed by excavating hill peaks to create a table-top
- Airports with tabletop runways include Mangalore, Kozhikode, and Lengpui in India
- Tabletop runways have steep drops at one or both ends, increasing the possibility of injuries and fatalities
- Countries with mountain ranges tend to have tabletop runways, e.g. Nepal, India, and the US
- Tabletop runways can be hazardous, requiring extra pilot skill and caution during takeoff and landing
Table-top runways are often constructed by excavating hill peaks to create a table-top
Tabletop runways are often built in mountainous regions where flat land is scarce or in low-lying areas where flooding is a concern. They are characterised by their location on top of a plateau or hill, with one or both ends of the runway ending in a steep precipice. This design can create an optical illusion, making it seem as if the runway is level with the plains below. As a result, pilots must be extremely precise when landing, especially when instrument landing is not available.
Constructing tabletop runways typically involves excavating the peaks of hills to create a flat surface, akin to a table-top. This process results in steep drops at one or both ends of the runway. While this design can be functional, it also increases the risk of accidents if pilots under or overshoot their approach due to human error or mechanical failure.
One notable example of a tabletop runway is the one at Kozhikode Airport in Kerala, India. This runway is approximately 2,700 metres (8,858 feet) long, which is sufficient for narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 to land. However, safety concerns have been raised about this runway, particularly regarding the limited space at the end of the runway and the surrounding terrain.
The dangers associated with tabletop runways were tragically highlighted in 2020 when an Air India Express flight skidded off the runway at Kozhikode Airport during heavy rain. The aircraft plunged into a valley, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including the captain and co-pilot. This incident brought attention to the challenges and risks posed by tabletop runways, emphasising the need for extra skill and caution during flight operations at such airports.
To mitigate the risks associated with tabletop runways, some experts have recommended installing ground arrestor systems, similar to those used at Air Force bases. These systems can help bring skidding aircraft to a halt, potentially preventing accidents and saving lives. Additionally, ensuring adequate buffer zones at the end of the runways and adhering to recommended safety ratios can also enhance safety at tabletop airports.
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Airports with tabletop runways include Mangalore, Kozhikode, and Lengpui in India
Tabletop runways are generally constructed on hilly or elevated terrain. They are built on top of a plateau or hill, with one or both ends adjacent to a steep precipice that drops into a deep gorge. This leaves little room for error and can create optical illusions for pilots, making landing and take-off treacherous.
In India, there are several airports with tabletop runways, including Mangalore, Kozhikode, and Lengpui. These airports have been the sites of several aviation disasters. In May 2010, an Air India Express flight from Dubai to Mangalore carrying 166 passengers and crew faced a tragic end when it overshot the runway and fell down a hill, resulting in 158 fatalities. Similarly, in August 2020, an Air India Express flight from Dubai to Kozhikode with 190 people on board overshot the tabletop runway in poor weather conditions, falling into a valley and breaking into two portions. This accident resulted in 19 deaths, including the pilot and co-pilot.
The Mangalore and Kozhikode airports are considered especially risky due to the undulating terrain and constraints of space, requiring extra skill and caution during flight operations. The hazard of undershooting and overshooting can lead to grave consequences, as evidenced by the accidents mentioned above. The narrow and winding access roads around these airfields can also delay rescue operations in the event of a crash.
The Lengpui airport in Mizoram also has a tabletop runway and is operated by the state government. While Lengpui has not been the site of any notable accidents, it is included among the critical airfields that require special qualifications for the flight crew to undertake operations due to its tabletop runway configuration.
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Tabletop runways have steep drops at one or both ends, increasing the possibility of injuries and fatalities
Tabletop runways are often constructed by excavating the peaks of hills, creating a "tabletop" with a steep drop at one or both ends. This design inherently increases the possibility of injuries and fatalities if pilots under or overshoot their approach due to human error or mechanical failure.
The optical illusion created by the runway's alignment with the horizon and the edge of the mountain can make it difficult for pilots to accurately judge the remaining length of the runway, leading to accidental overshooting. This was a factor in the crash of TAP Air Portugal Flight 425 in 1977, where the plane landed long over the runway in Madeira Airport and plunged over a steep bank, resulting in 131 fatalities.
The limited space at the end of tabletop runways can also contribute to the risk of accidents. For example, the Kozhikode airport in Kerala, India, has been criticized for its inadequate buffer zone, with only 90 meters of space at the end of the runway instead of the recommended 240 meters. This lack of a safety buffer can have devastating consequences if a plane skids off the runway, as seen in the 2020 Air India Express crash at the same airport, which resulted in 18 deaths.
The downward slope at the end of tabletop runways can be particularly hazardous during takeoff or landing, as undershooting or overshooting can lead to grave situations. The 2010 Mangalore airport crash, where an Air India Express plane overshot the tabletop runway and crashed nose-first into the ground, killing 158 people, is a tragic example of the dangers posed by this runway design.
The unique challenges of tabletop runways require extra skill and caution from pilots during flight operations. These runways are commonly found in mountainous areas or low-lying regions where flat land is scarce, such as in Nepal and India. While they may be necessary in certain geographical constraints, the inherent risks of tabletop runways must be carefully considered and mitigated to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
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Countries with mountain ranges tend to have tabletop runways, e.g. Nepal, India, and the US
Tabletop runways are often constructed by levelling the peaks of hills or mountains to create a plateau. This results in a steep drop at one or both ends of the runway, which can increase the risk of injuries and fatalities if pilots under or overshoot their approach. Due to the optical illusion created by the runway's alignment with the horizon and the edge of the mountain, pilots may misjudge the remaining length of the runway. As a result, tabletop runways require a very precise visual approach during landing.
Countries with mountain ranges, such as Nepal, India, and the United States, often have tabletop runways located in mountainous regions. For example, Nepal's international airport in Kathmandu is situated in the mountains. In India, several airports with tabletop runways include Kozhikode (Calicut International Airport), Mangalore, Shimla, and Pakyong. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Nepal and the Mangalore Airport in India have been the sites of crashes attributed to their tabletop runway configurations.
The United States also has several tabletop runways, including the Gibraltar International Airport, where a major roadway bisects the runway. While not located in mountainous regions, these airports face similar challenges due to intersecting roadways or railways, requiring the halting of traffic during aircraft arrival and departure.
Tabletop runways enable longer runways capable of accommodating long-range jet aircraft. They are impressive feats of engineering but can be hazardous, regardless of weather or time of day. As a result, pilots must exercise caution and ensure precise landing approaches to avoid accidents.
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Tabletop runways can be hazardous, requiring extra pilot skill and caution during takeoff and landing
Tabletop runways are often constructed by flattening the tops of hills, creating a "tabletop" with steep drops at one or both ends. This design can be hazardous, requiring extra pilot skill and caution during takeoff and landing. Due to the optical illusion created by the runway's alignment with the horizon, pilots may misjudge the remaining length of the runway and accidentally undershoot or overshoot.
The hazards of tabletop runways are well known in the aviation industry. In the case of the 2010 Mangalore airport crash, an Air India Express Boeing 737 overshot the tabletop runway and crashed nose-first into the ground, resulting in 158 fatalities. Similarly, in 2020, an Air India Express Flight 1344 skidded off the tabletop runway at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, killing 19 people, including the captain and co-pilot.
The buffer zone at the end of tabletop runways is often inadequate, increasing the possibility of injuries and fatalities if pilots under or overshoot their approach. Additionally, the limited space on either side of the runway can make it difficult for aircraft to safely manoeuvre during takeoff and landing. These factors make tabletop runways more challenging and require pilots to have excellent training and expertise.
To mitigate the risks associated with tabletop runways, some safety measures can be implemented. For example, a ground arrestor system can be installed to bring skidding aircraft to a halt, and runway lengths can be adjusted to provide a safer approach and takeoff path. However, despite these precautions, tabletop runways will always present some level of danger due to their inherent design and the potential for optical illusions that can catch pilots off guard.
In conclusion, tabletop runways present unique challenges and hazards that require extra pilot skill and caution during takeoff and landing. The steep drops, limited buffer zones, and optical illusions can all contribute to the potential for accidents and fatalities. While safety measures can help mitigate these risks, it is essential for pilots and airport authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safe operation of flights at tabletop runways.
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Frequently asked questions
A tabletop runway is a runway that is located on the top of a plateau or hill, with one or both ends adjacent to a steep precipice which drops into a gorge or valley.
Tabletop runways are often built in mountainous areas where flat land is scarce, or in low-lying areas where there is a lack of space or a fear of waterlogging.
Tabletop runways can be hazardous, as they have limited space and steep drops at one or both ends. This increases the possibility of injuries and fatalities if pilots under or overshoot their approach, either through human error or mechanical failure.
Airports with tabletop runways include Mangalore, Kozhikode, Lengpui, and Shimla in India; Lukla, Tumlingtar, and Talcha in Nepal; and Saint Helena Airport.
