Tabletop Runways

Tabletop Runways are ones which are located on the top of a plateau or hill with one or both ends are adjacent to a steep slope which drops into a deep gorge. These steep slopes create an optical illusion. This necessitates a very precise approach by the pilot.

Mangalore Airport in Karnataka is an example of Tabletop runway. Recently at the Mangalore airport, the aircraft veered off the runway while landing and came to a halt near the end of the runway.

Even though it was a minor accident it brought back the memories of May 22, 2010 crash of Air India Express flight IX 812.

Why the Tabletop runways considered risky?

The tabletop runway creates an optical illusion. These tabletop runways which are located on hilltops create the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below. As a result when a pilot comes in for a landing, the visual reference changes. This change in visual reference poses challenges to the pilot in guarding against taking the aircraft either too high or low on the approach.

As a result, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has prescribed additional training requirements for tabletop airports.