A bird-eye view is a mesmerizing experience, and if you’re flying to an airport with breathtaking approaches, it just doubles the fun. Here are some of the best runways in the world.
Flight times vary at this unique beach runway according to the tides. The runway is underwater once each day.
Only certified pilots are permitted to land here, as the approach is through deep valleys and tough mountain conditions. Since it is located in the French Alps, these dangerous conditions make for great viewing for the passengers.
As flights approach the runway, the city appears to emerge like a mirage from a desert. At night, the lighted Las Vegas strip is spectacular.
The only runway in frozen Antarctica is a sight to behold, but only scientists see it because it’s not used for tourists.
Travelers to Nice are treated to a stunning view of the French Riviera, which makes it one of the most beautiful runways in the world.
The approach to Hulhule offers views of the archipelago in the lap of the Indian Ocean.
The London landing in itself is a sight-seeing experience, offering a top view of the London Eye, Big Ben and the 2012 Olympic park.
New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, and coming in from the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Located at just a third-mile (500 meters) from Gibraltar’s city center, the runway is intersected by a road that has to be closed every time there is a movement on the runway. The rock of Gibraltar is visible on the approach.
This short and narrow runway on the island of Skiathos requires that pilots have additional training to land. Planes fly right over boats and beach goers to land on the strip that’s just over a mile long.
It has been constructed on an artificial island which is connected to the mainland by a 1.8-mile-long (3 km) bridge. The turquoise water is visible from every angle.
The runway is surrounded by high mountains and the ocean. Despite the beauty for passengeners, it is a tricky runway even for most experienced pilots.
The runway starts just feet from the edge of the ocean which makes it a grand (and scary) sight for tourists on the beach.
The runway is just .4 miles long (650 meters), which makes it suitable only for chartered flights. The angles are very tight with unusual wind conditions, but that does not detract from the beautiful approach.
It is known for the shortest runway in the world. At just a quarter-mile (396 meter) long and flanked by hills, only helicopters and small aircrafts can use it.
It is situated in the middle of a golf course, making the approach look lush green.
A combination of skyscrapers and natural beauty make landing in Toronto a sightseeing experience.
It is set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Teton Mountains, making it a heavenly experience for passengers as flights approach the runway.
Located in the Himalayas, it offers a view of small houses scattered around the foothills. Though landing is considered to be tough here, the views over the clear blue waters over the Paro river and the lush green surroundings take the edge off passengers’ nerves.
As flights approach the runway, passengers are greeted with the view of the famous Table Mountain.
