13 Incredible Airports You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Airports are often considered simple transit hubs—places where we dash to catch flights or reluctantly endure layovers. However, not all airports are created equal. Some are feats of engineering brilliance, while others are steeped in local charm or set amidst jaw-dropping landscapes.
As global air travel is set to top 10 billion passengers a year by 2050 (according to the International Air Transport Association), airports worldwide are not only responding to the rise in traffic. Still, they are offering a unique approach to the art of air travel. Read on for 13 incredible airports beyond the typical terminal and deserve your attention.
Lukla Airport, Nepal
Lukla Airport, officially Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is the primary gateway to Mount Everest and is known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Airport.” This tiny airport, perched at an incredible 9,334 feet above sea level, is famous for its incredible challenges. Its runway stops cold with just 1,729 feet to work with and drops off the cliff face, requiring pilots to deliver nothing short of perfection.
Adding to its complexity, the runway is sloped at an 11.7% gradient, a unique feature designed to help planes decelerate more quickly—a detail highlighted by Forbes. Unpredictable weather and high winds make every takeoff and landing a test of skill reserved only for the most experienced pilots. Despite these risks, Lukla Airport is a lifeline for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp and supplies the surrounding region, which is otherwise inaccessible by road.
Saba Airport, Netherlands Antilles
Saba Airport, located on the tiny Caribbean island of Saba, is home to the shortest commercial runway in the world, measuring just 400 meters (1,312 feet). Surrounded by cliffs and the sparkling ocean, this airport is a marvel of precision flying. According to reports from the Caribbean Netherlands Bureau of Statistics, Saba Airport saw an increase in air passengers in 2023, reflecting its growing popularity among travelers.
Pilots landing here require special certification to navigate the dramatic approach. Its unique location and challenging conditions make it a truly incredible feat of aviation.
Courchevel Altiport, France
Courchevel Altiport is a dream come true for skiers. It is nestled in the French Alps and has direct access to the area’s exclusive ski resorts. The big thing about this airport is that the runway is very steep. Although it is merely 537 meters long, it has a 19% gradient, making it one of the most challenging runways in the world.
Its adventurous charm even earned it a cameo in the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, further cementing its reputation as a thrilling destination.
Barra Airport, Scotland
Barra Airport in Scotland is one of the most unique airports in the world. Its runway is made entirely of sand. Landings here depend on the tidal schedule, as planes can only touch down during low tide.
This fascinating setup makes every flight a race against nature. Remarkably, Barra is the only airport in the world where the beach serves as an official runway for scheduled flights, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Gibraltar International Airport, UK
Known for its unusual design, Gibraltar International Airport has a runway that cuts across the island’s major road. Winston Churchill Avenue, Gibraltar’s busiest road, has to close every time a plane takes off or lands.
Traffic lights control cars and pedestrians during runway activity, creating a fascinating and unique experience for travelers and locals alike.
Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten
Few airports offer as much excitement as Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten. Located just steps from the popular Maho Beach, this Caribbean airport provides an unforgettable experience as jumbo jets glide 100 feet above beachgoers’ heads during landing.
Despite the blasting wind and sand from arriving and departing planes, it has become a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and thrill seekers.
Paro Airport, Bhutan
Nestled in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains, Paro Airport is widely regarded as one of the most challenging airports in the world. Surrounded by towering peaks as high as 18,000 feet, only a few highly trained pilots are certified to land here.
Flights into Paro are carefully scheduled during daylight hours to ensure optimal visibility for the complex approach. This level of precision and skill makes Paro Airport a true marvel in aviation.
Kansai International Airport, Japan
Located on a massive man-made island in Osaka Bay, Kansai Airport is quite a marvel of modern engineering. This airport is famous for its futuristic architecture, massive terminal, and ability to survive earthquakes and typhoons, showcasing Japan’s innovation and resilience.
Its man-made island is so impressive that it can even be seen from space, cementing its status as a significant feat of Japanese engineering.
Gisborne Airport, New Zealand
Gisborne Airport stands out for its one-of-a-kind feature. It has a railway track that crosses its runway so directly. While waiting for your flight, seeing a train pass through is not unusual.
This weird setup requires meticulous coordination between flight operations and train schedules, making it a truly unique travel experience.
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is famous for its iconic, adrenaline-inducing 400-meter runway perched on a cliffside in the Caribbean. Despite its small size and dramatic location, the airport maintains an impeccable safety record thanks to strict pilot certifications.
Landing here is an unforgettable thrill for those brave enough to experience it.
Mataveri International Airport, Easter Island
One of Earth’s most remote inhabited islands has an international airport, Mataveri International Airport, and is a gateway to the breathtaking beauty of Easter Island. The vast Pacific Ocean surrounds this and is near famous Moai statues, so arriving here is an unforgettable experience.
The LA Times reported that, in the 1980s, NASA extended the airport’s airstrip to serve as an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle program, adding another layer of intrigue to this unique destination.
Ometepe Airport, Nicaragua
Ometepe Airport is situated on an island created by two volcanoes in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, and during takeoff and landing, you have amazing views. The island’s natural beauty makes it a hidden gem in Central America.
Omotepe’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve underscores its ecological importance. The airport is key in promoting eco-tourism while giving travelers access to this breathtaking destination.
Velana International Airport, Maldives
Velana International Airport (MLE), situated on Hulhulé Island in the Maldives, is the primary gateway for international travelers heading to this tropical paradise. Located just a short ferry ride from the capital city of Malé, the airport is crucial for connecting visitors to the Maldives’ renowned resorts and stunning atolls.
As the busiest airport in the country, Velana International facilitates a substantial volume of air traffic, with numerous airlines operating flights to major cities across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Airport authorities are working on extensive updates because more tourists are flying to this destination. They want to meet the needs of up to 7 million tourists annually.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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