Tabletop runway
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 deep gorge. This type of runway creates an optical illusion which requires a very precise approach by the pilot. Such type of runways are known for their beauty.
Calicut International Airport in Malappuram, India and Mangalore International Airport in Mangalore, India are examples of tabletop runways.Incident
The configuration of Mangalore Airport has been cited as a factor in the Mangalore Air crash of May 22, 2010. The Boeing 737 involved overshot the runway threshold touchdown area, failed to stop, went out of control, and rolled down a steep hillside.
