
To launch a 50-ton metal cylinder into the air requires quite a bit of speed. But how many meters of runway does a plane need to take off?
In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that determine the necessary runway length for an airplane to take off and land. Ready to learn more?
Taking off requires more runway than landing
There are more factors involved than you might think when determining the required runway length for a safe takeoff or landing. What needs to be considered?
- The type of aircraft
- The number of passengers
- The fuel tank volume
- Wind, rain, and temperature
Additionally, the airport’s height above sea level must also be taken into account. The thinner the air, the longer the runway needs to be. Pilots use a list of these factors to calculate the required runway length for takeoff.
Ready for take-off
Figure: Takeoff distance by aircraft type.
*Rough estimate depending on various factors
The Boeing 737-800 is one of the most popular commercial airplanes in the world, used by many airlines for short and medium-haul flights.
This aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 79,000 kilograms and a maximum landing weight of approximately 66,000 kilograms. This means that after takeoff, the 737 must burn off at least 13 tons of fuel to land safely.
- Takeoff: Depending on various factors, a Boeing 737-800 needs a runway length of approximately 1,900 to 2,500 meters to take off safely. This usually happens at a speed of about 290 km/h.
- Landing: For landing, the aircraft requires a shorter distance. Under normal conditions, a Boeing 737-800 can land on a runway of about 1,500 to 2,000 meters, although a longer runway provides more margin for safe operations, especially in bad weather or emergencies. The landing speed is around 240 km/h.
The runways of Belgian airports

Figure: Satellite image of Brussels Airport
Belgium has several airports that handle both commercial and cargo flights. Below are the runway lengths for each commercial airport.
- Liège (LGG - Liège Airport)
- Runway length: 3,690 meters
- Runway length: 3,690 meters
- Brussels (BRU - Brussels Airport)
- Runway lengths: The airport has three runways: 25L/07R (3,638 meters), 25R/07L (3,211 meters), and 19/01 (2,984 meters).
- Runway lengths: The airport has three runways: 25L/07R (3,638 meters), 25R/07L (3,211 meters), and 19/01 (2,984 meters).
- Antwerp (ANR - Antwerp International Airport)
- Runway length: 1,510 meters
- Runway length: 1,510 meters
- Charleroi (CRL - Brussels South Charleroi Airport)
- Runway length: 2,550 meters
- Runway length: 2,550 meters
- Ostend (OST - Ostend-Bruges International Airport)
- Runway length: 3,200 meters
- Runway length: 3,200 meters
While Brussels has three runways, Antwerp has only one. The runway in Antwerp is so short that a Boeing 737-800 cannot take off fully loaded.
To meet the demand for commercial flights from this airport, airline TUI operates Embraer E2 aircraft, which are better suited for shorter runways. In contrast, Liège has the longest runway, easily accommodating the largest jumbo jets.
Long story short
Now you know that the airplane you’re taking on vacation needs quite a few meters of asphalt to take off. And if the runway is wet with strong winds, it needs even more.
Did you know that the airplane spends about 35 seconds on the runway before the nose wheel lifts off? Will you count along on your next flight?
See you soon!
By: Rico Valkenborgh | November 8, 2024
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