Air travel can offer more than just a means to reach a destination; it can also provide breathtaking views that enhance the travel experience. Scenic airport landings are an incredible way to start or end a journey, leaving passengers with memorable views and a sense of awe.
The world’s most scenic airport runways approach are looking more glorious than ever. As any passenger preferring the window seat knows, looking at a destination from above can be the most rewarding way to experience it. From gorgeous coastlines to rocky islands, some of the world’s most striking landscapes are also where you’ll find the most scenic airport runways. And if you’re flying to an airport with breathtaking approaches, it just doubles the fun. Here are some of the best Airport runways in the world.
In this blog post, we will explore the world’s most scenic airport runways. These runways are selected based on their natural beauty, unique approaches, and the remarkable views they offer.
The most scenic airport runways
1. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), St. Maarten
Description: The approach to Princess Juliana International Airport is famous for its low-altitude flyover above Maho Beach, where beachgoers can almost touch the landing gear.
Scenic Highlights: The turquoise Caribbean Sea and the white sandy beach provide a stunning backdrop, making it one of the world’s most scenic airport landings.
2. Barra Airport (BRR), Scotland
Description: Barra Airport is unique because it has a beach runway. Landings and takeoffs are dependent on the tide, as the runway is submerged at high tide.
Scenic Highlights: The approach over the beautiful Hebrides islands and the experience of landing on sand make it a truly unique and scenic experience.
3. Donegal Airport (CFN), Ireland
Description: Donegal Airport, located near Mount Errigal, offers an impressive approach over the rugged coastline and lush green landscapes of Ireland.
Scenic Highlights: The panoramic views of Mount Errigal and the Atlantic Ocean are simply breathtaking, earning this airport acclaim as a beautiful airport year in a row.
4. Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA), Nepal
Description: This airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is the gateway to Mount Everest. The approach is thrilling, with a short runway surrounded by mountains.
Scenic Highlights: The spectacular views of the Himalayas and the dramatic landscape make this one of the most scenic airport approaches in the world.
5. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB), Saba
Description: Known for having the shortest commercial runway in the world, this airport’s approach is over a cliff with the Caribbean Sea on either side.
Scenic Highlights: The dramatic cliffside landing and the stunning sea views provide an unforgettable experience.
6. Queenstown Airport (ZQN), New Zealand
Description: Nestled among the Remarkable mountain range, the approach to Queenstown Airport offers incredible views of mountains and lakes.
Scenic Highlights: Flying over Lake Wakatipu and seeing the Southern Alps makes for a majestic landing experience.
7. St. Barts Airport (SBH), St. Barthélemy
Description: The approach to St. Barts Airport involves a steep descent over a hill and a short runway that ends at the beach.
Scenic Highlights: The clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, along with the thrilling approach, make this a top scenic landing.
8. Madeira Airport (FNC), Portugal
Description: Madeira airport‘s runway is built on a platform over the ocean, surrounded by mountains and cliffs.
Scenic Highlights: The approach through mountainous terrain and over the Atlantic Ocean offers breathtaking views.
9. Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria
Description: Innsbruck airport surrounded by the Alps, Innsbruck Airport offers an impressive approach through mountain valleys.
Scenic Highlights: The winter scenery with snow-capped peaks and the beautiful Alpine landscape are truly spectacular.
10. Courchevel Altiport (CVF), France
Description: Courchevel Altiport located in the French Alps, this airport has a steep, short runway with a gradient, making the approach unique and challenging.
Scenic Highlights: The views of the Alpine ski slopes and surrounding mountains are stunning.
11. Gibraltar International Airport (GIB), Gibraltar
Description: This airport’s runway crosses a major road, creating a unique landing experience.
Scenic Highlights: The iconic Rock of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea provide a dramatic backdrop.
12. Svalbard Airport (LYR), Norway
Description: Svalbard airport located in the Arctic Circle, this airport offers scenic views of Arctic landscapes and fjords.
Scenic Highlights: The approach over snow-covered terrain and the potential to see the Northern Lights make it a unique experience.
13. Malé International Airport (MLE), Maldives
Description: Male International Airport situated on Hulhulé Island, this airport is surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs.
Scenic Highlights: The approach over the Indian Ocean with views of the coral atolls is simply breathtaking.
14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), USA
Description: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station known for its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, the runway at Cape Canaveral offers a unique perspective on space travel.
Scenic Highlights: The approach provides views of the Indian and Banana Rivers, the space center, and Cape Canaveral.
15. Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB), USA
Description: Orlando Melbourne International Airport located near the Atlantic coast and close to the Kennedy Space Center, this airport offers scenic views of Florida’s coastline.
Scenic Highlights: The approach over the Indian River and the Banana River, with views of the space center and Cape Canaveral, provides a beautiful and memorable experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the world’s most scenic airport runways offer passengers an incredible experience with breathtaking views and unique approaches. From the turquoise waters of St. Maarten to the majestic mountains of New Zealand, these scenic airport landings enhance the joy of travel. Share your own experiences and favorite scenic airport runways in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the beauty of air travel.
By understanding the unique features of these runways, we can appreciate the beauty and thrill they add to our journeys, making air travel not just a means of transportation, but an adventure in itself.