Being a pilot is not an easy task, especially when you have to take off or land between mountains, fly between narrow valleys, pass a busy street a few inches off the ground, or catch a glimpse of a steep cliff at the end of the runway…
These circumstances occur in airports around the world so we would like to share a collection of the most striking and impressive runways across the world.
Daredevils start booking your flights and fearful fliers start practicing your meditation skills!
Don’t worry: we’re not trying to scare you, remember that flying is still the safest means of transport.
1. St.Maarten (Caribbean), Princess Juliana International Airport
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WEAKNESSES:
– Heavy traffic
– Landing close to the beach
– Hotels and roads close together
– Take-off between mountains
Interesting: Upon landing, the planes pass right over the heads of those relaxing on the beach.
2. Saba Island (Caribbean), Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport
x
WEAKNESSES:
– Very short runway
– Free fall at end of runway
– Surrounded by cliffs
3. Courchevel (France), Courchevel Airport
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WEAKNESSES:
– High altitude as the airport is in the French Alps
– Narrow and very steep runway
Interesting: A scene in the James Bond movie,”Tomorrow Never Dies”, was filmed here.
4. Barra (Scotland), Barra Airport
x
WEAKNESSES:
– Runway on the sand
– Dimly lit
Interesting: When there are no planes set to take-off, the runway converts into a beach.
5. Lukla (Nepal), Lukla Airport
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WEAKNESSES:
– High altitude
– Tall mountains near
– Unstable climate: poor visibility, wind, turbulence…
– Very short runway
Interesting: It is one of the most dangerous airports, but a necessity for those wishing to explore Kathmandu.
6. Madeira (Portugal), Madeira Funchal Airport
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WEAKNESSES:
– Mountains on one side and ocean on the other
– Unstable weather: wind and severe turbulence
– Slope at the end of the runway
Interesting: In 1977 there was a serious accident which led local authorities to extend the runway to the beach.
7. Gibraltar, North Front Airport
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WEAKNESSES:
– Heavy traffic
– Close to a residential neighborhood
– Runway crosses a 4-lane road
– Very short runway
Curiosidad: Due to lack of space it is probably the only airport in the world with the runway crossing a busy street (see photo).
8. Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Toncontín International Airport
x
WEAKNESSES:
– Short runway
– Quick descent for landing
Interesting: Although it is the largest airport in Honduras, only small planes can land there.
Have you landed or taken off at any of these airports?
Do you know of any other particularly dangerous aiports? Tell us about your experience!
