The new 4,430m (14,600ft) Delhi airport runway of which only 2820m (9,200ft) can be used when air traffic is in west flow (RW29) because of a 50ft tall religious statue. When traffic is in east flow (RW11), almost the whole length can be used. You can see the displaced thresholds on Google Earth.
Newsclip covering the story and showing the statue in question. (click here)
This case illustrates the importance of zoning and height control around an airport and ensuring compatible land use.
That said, New Delhi Airport has made great strides after privatization. The runway was completed in about 2 years after the GMR-led consortium took over as the private operator in Aug 2006. In 2010, new Delhi Airport won most improved airport in the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards.
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