The Runway Race: Identifying Airports with the Most Runways

Introduction

When discussing the world's busiest and most complex airports, one cannot overlook the critical role of runways. Runways are essential for ensuring safe and efficient air travel. This article delves into which civilian airport currently holds the distinction of having the most runways, both active and planned, analyzing key examples such as Chicago O’Hare and Edwards Air Force Base.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

As of the latest count, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is known for its extensive runway network. There are a total of 9 active runways at this Chicago hub. This remarkable number is achieved through a combination of parallel and intersecting runways, significantly contributing to its status as one of the world's most dynamic aviation hubs.

Runway Configuration at O’Hare

O’Hare's runway configuration is quite unique. It features:

North Airfield: Two parallel east-west runways: 9L/27R and 9R/27L, with a third parallel runway 9C/27C scheduled for completion shortly. South Airfield: Three parallel east-west runways: 10L/28R, 10C/28C, and 10R/28L. Additionally, two northeast/southwest runways: 4R/22L and 4L/22R. The north crosswind runway 4L/22R intersects with 9R/27L, limiting its use. Other Runways: Including the north east-west runway 22L, commonly used during specific air conditions.

Edwards Air Force Base (AFB)

While Chicago O’Hare holds the record for the most active runways in a civilian airport, Edwards Air Force Base takes the cake with the highest total number of runways. This base boasts not just an impressive number of paved and lighted runways but also a series of runways on a dry lakebed, making it a unique contender in the race for the most runways.

Runway Configuration at Edwards AFB

At Edwards Air Force Base, you'll find:

Four lighted and paved runways. Twelve additional runways marked on the dry lakebed, of which 17/35 is the longest at over 39,000 feet. Further, the base includes two additional runways on the Rosamond Dry Lake Bed.

Current and Future Plans

Both O’Hare and Edwards Air Force Base demonstrate dynamic and evolving runway configurations:

Chicago O’Hare: Plans are underway to close two northwest/southeast runways due to their intersection with other runways, aiming for more efficient airspace operations. Edwards AFB: No current plans to close runways, focusing on maintaining a robust and diverse runway network for testing and training purposes.

Conclusion

The runways of O'Hare and Edwards Air Force Base exemplify the complexity and efficiency required in modern aviation infrastructure. While O'Hare sets the standard for domestic civilian airports, Edwards Air Force Base stands out with its unique approach to maintaining and expanding its runway network. Understanding these configurations is crucial for anyone involved in aviation, whether as an airline operator, pilot, or enthusiast.