If you pride yourself on the fact that you are not afraid to fly and do not get nervous during takeoff and landing, then this most likely means that you have never been to any of the airports from our selection. Steep turns close to the ground and runways that run into the ocean, rocks or abyss – what people will do to get to the most remote corners of our planet!
Madeira Airport (FNC), Portugal
Photo: oleandra/Shutterstock.com
Madeira is a small island of volcanic origin. The terrain is such that the airport could only be built on its very edge, between the steep slopes and the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, the width of the flat coastal strip was not enough for a full-fledged runway, so part of it is supported on giant stilts.
Tenzing Hillary Airport (LUA), Nepal
Photo: Adwo/Shutterstock.com
This airport is named after the first conquerors of Everest, and it is here that all those who want to repeat the feat of ascent fly here. The runway is inclined by 12%, the height difference between its two ends is 60 meters. In this case, one end rests against a steep mountain slope, and the other ends into an abyss. Adding to the thrill is the fact that the only navigation equipment at the airport is a radio station, so when taking off and landing, pilots rely solely on their abilities and experience.
Saba Island Airport (SAB), Caribbean Netherlands
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Saba Island is the pinnacle of an underwater volcano, its area is only 13 square kilometers, but it rises almost 1,000 meters above sea level. On the steep slopes it was difficult to find a level area, so the runway is very short, only 400 meters, and is sandwiched between two steep cliffs above the ocean.
Sandane Airport (SDN), Norway
Photo: Sandane Airport/orbxsystems.com
In appearance, this airport is not so remarkable; its runway is quite long, 970 meters. But the landing approach requires pinpoint precision from the pilots, since the plane is sandwiched between two fjords – when approaching it, you need to stay in a narrow strip between the rocks. At the same time, the weather conditions are quite harsh all year round; a powerful side wind always blows in this place and the plane must overcome a zone of strong turbulence.
Paro Airport (PBH), Bhutan
Photo: gawkerassets
The airport in the Paro River Valley is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by high five-thousand-meter mountains, therefore it is considered one of the most difficult in the world for takeoff and landing. In 2014, only eight pilots were accredited to make the steep turns and land in this gorge. The airport operates only during the daytime and in good visibility, however, to enjoy the views, you must fight the urge to close your eyes in fear.
Tioman Airport (TOD), Malaysia
Photo: Glueball at English Wikipedia
To get to the tropical paradise of the Malaysian island of Tioman, you will have to endure several minutes of serious fear. The runway is located along the coast and abuts the rock, but this is not the main thing. Due to the nature of the mountainous terrain, in order to land, the pilot descends, heading straight into a high rock, and only at the last moment turns the plane sharply 90 degrees.
Courchevel Airport (CVF), France
Photo: Paul Vinten/Shutterstock.com
This airport appeared in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies and made no less an impression on viewers than Pierce Brosnan. The short runway, only 525 meters, is located on a mountain with a strong slope of 18.5%. When taking off, the plane literally dives into the abyss and then takes off, carrying passengers over the breathtaking landscapes of the famous resort.
Barra Airport (BRR),Scotland
Photo: Spumador/Shutterstock.com
If you’ve ever thought: “If only I could get straight from the plane to the beach,” this is your chance. Barra is a unique airport on the seaside, with light propeller-driven planes for just 12 passengers landing and taking off from sandy runways. The airport operates only during daylight hours, but can receive emergency planes at night, for this purpose workers will set up signal lights. It also closes at high tide, as the beach is hidden under water for several hours.
Preview photo: LUC KOHNEN/Shutterstock.com
To compare hotel prices, use the travel planning service OneTwoTrip.
