10 самых длинных взлетно-посадочных полос в мире

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In 2024, global passenger numbers reached record levels, pressuring airports to handle growing numbers of travellers and accommodate larger aircraft to transport them. Without suitably long runways, airports can’t welcome the world’s largest passenger or cargo aircraft—or even space shuttles when they feel like dropping by for a visit.

There are plenty of airports with runways long enough for virtually any aircraft, and not all of them are in locations that enthusiasts might expect. Some have decades of history, while others have been custom-built to fit the needs of today’s aviation industry. These 10 runways are among the longest in the world, with lengths far exceeding most airports—a spotlight on the most interesting ultra-long runways from around the globe.

10. Al Maktoum International Airport, UAE (DWC) – 14,763 feet

In early 2024, the leadership of the UAE’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) announced ambitious plans to transform it into the world’s largest capacity airport.

When the upgrade is complete, the airport should handle up to 260 million passengers annually. To achieve that capacity, the airport must accommodate every kind of passenger aircraft in today’s skies, plus the next generation of supersized aircraft. The 14,763-foot runway is crucial for achieving these goals.

Cargo flights began operations in 2010, but passenger flights didn’t commence until 2013. Despite being relatively young by global standards, it’s rapidly expanding. If the intended plan is delivered, the airport will surpass Dubai International Airport (DXB), currently one of the world’s busiest, with 87 million passengers in 2023.

The strategic runway length ensures compatibility with current and future aircraft generations, positioning Al Maktoum as a major global aviation hub.

9. Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia (WDH) – 14,869 feet

With a length of 14,869 feet, Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) features another ultra-long runway in southern Africa.

The airport serves as Namibia’s flagship facility, handling intercontinental and shorter-haul flights, including routes to Europe and the Middle East. Both the airport and Windhoek sit at over 5,000 feet above sea level, necessitating the extra-long runway to accommodate various aircraft types in the high-altitude, warm climate conditions. The airport also features a secondary runway at 5,003 feet—roughly one-third the main runway’s length.

8. N’djili Airport, Democratic Republic of the Congo (FIH) – 15,420 feet

Located near Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capital, N’djili Airport (FIH) opened in 1953 with Sabena, Belgium’s then-national carrier, as its first operator.

Today, the airport hosts numerous international airlines and serves as a frequent stopover for cargo carriers. The 15,420-foot runway proves particularly useful for cargo operations, with airlines frequently utilising older, larger aircraft like the Boeing 747.

The DRC serves as a regional air travel hub with four international airports, and N’djili is the largest, especially since a 2015 development project added a new passenger terminal. This expansion reflects Kinshasa’s rapidly growing population, which reached approximately 17 million people in 2024.

7. Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Zimbabwe (HRE) – 15,502 feet

At a reported cost of $153 million, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) recently underwent major upgrades with expanded terminal capacity and new features, including e-gates. The airport’s 15,502-foot runway—one of Africa’s longest—remained unchanged during the latest expansion.

The airport was once among southern Africa’s busiest but saw its influence diminish under Mugabe’s rule. The latest overhaul aims to restore appeal to both airlines and international travellers, with reported annual capacity reaching 6 million passengers.

Whether it will regain its hub status remains to be seen, but it now possesses the necessary capacity in terms of both passenger numbers and runway length to accommodate major international operations.

6. Erbil International Airport, Iraq (EBL) – 15,748 feet

Originally constructed in 2003 and expanded in 2011, Iraq’s Erbil International Airport (EBL) primarily serves as an international hub for commercial flights to Europe and other parts of Asia. It has also supported military operations, notably by Iraqi and Western forces during conflicts against ISIS.

The runway measures 15,748 feet, ensuring various military and civilian aircraft can operate comfortably despite the region’s high summer temperatures. Its proximity to Erbil city, home to approximately 1.4 million people, has established it as a popular regional travel hub.

A reported 1.8 million passengers passed through in 2022—roughly 600,000 more than the previous year, demonstrating growing demand for the facility’s services.

5. Hamad International Airport, Qatar (DOH) – 15,912 feet

As one of several Middle Eastern airports built to serve as major intercontinental aviation hubs, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar welcomed its first scheduled flight in 2014.

Ongoing expansion work continues increasing the airport’s capacity as part of Qatar’s strategy to compete with rival hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Qatari airport operates two runways, with the primary measuring 15,912 feet and the secondary reaching 13,944 feet.

The exceptional runway lengths accommodate the airport’s role as a global hub, account for high summer temperatures, and ensure compatibility with the world’s largest passenger jets. This infrastructure positions Hamad International as a premier destination for intercontinental travel and luxury aviation services.

4. Upington Airport, South Africa (UTN) – 16,076 feet

While not quite matching Embraer’s test facility in Brazil, Upington Airport’s runway reaches 16,076 feet—a consequence of the site’s high altitude and hot summer temperatures.

The runway was specifically designed to accommodate the Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” originally intended as a refuelling stop for intercontinental 747 flights rather than a major passenger hub.

While most passenger airlines no longer operate the 747, the airport has found a new purpose as an air freight hub.

According to the airport’s website, German automakers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz, utilise Upington as a proving ground for high-altitude vehicle testing, maintaining steady activity with engineering staff and development vehicles throughout the year.

3. Denver International Airport, USA (DEN) – 16,001 feet

Colorado’s Denver International Airport (DEN), situated at high altitude with warm summers, requires its extraordinarily long main runway.

Not only is it the longest public-use runway in the United States, but also among the world’s longest at just over 16,000 feet.

Completed in 1995, the airport serves as the main hub for Colorado’s business and leisure travellers. It accommodates a wide range of domestic and international airlines, necessitating large aircraft capable of transcontinental flights.

2. Embraer Unidade Gavião Peixoto Airport, Brazil – 16,296 feet

Built by aircraft manufacturer Embraer as a base for developing and constructing its latest generation aircraft, the Unidade Gavião Peixoto Airport was completed in 2001. Embraer’s facilities have become a crucial employment source for the region, with the manufacturer reporting that over half of Gavião Peixoto’s population works there.

Embraer produces both commercial and military aircraft at the base, with military orders primarily from the Brazilian Air Force.

The decision to build near Gavião Peixoto followed careful consideration, with Embraer reportedly evaluating 300 different sites before selecting the final location.

The naturally flat terrain and strategic city location made it optimal for Embraer’s exceptional testing and manufacturing facility.

1. Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport, Russia (ULY) – 16,404 feet

Featuring a runway measuring 16,404 feet, Ulyanovsk Vostochny Airport (ULY) in Russia currently serves passenger flights but was originally constructed as part of a massive Soviet industrial complex designed to accommodate military aircraft testing.

Today, it continues operating as a manufacturing hub for various industries, including aviation.

The airport played a crucial role in developing the AN-124 Ruslan, the world’s largest production transport aircraft. The only larger plane was the Antonov An-225, destroyed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Bottom Line

These 10 airports prove that when aviation engineers set their minds to it, they can create runways long enough to accommodate everything from jumbo jets to space shuttles—and probably a decent marathon if anyone’s feeling particularly ambitious.

While shorter runways test pilots’ precision, these elongated strips of tarmac offer the luxury of space, ensuring that even the most massive aircraft can touch down with room to spare for a victory lap!

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