Best with a window seat: The most beautiful landing approaches in the world
"Please fasten your seat belt, place your seat in an upright position, and open the window shades," is the message before every landing. While these instructions are for safety reasons, a quick look out the airplane window during landing can't hurt either—especially if the airport has a spectacular runway.
The travel insurance company AllClear used eye-tracking technology to determine which runway captivates viewers the fastest and for the longest time. We present the top 10 airports where a window seat is definitely worth it.
With views of palm trees and the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful runways in the world. Hawaii is known for its diverse landscape of colorful beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes.
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Source: imago images/UIG
The approach to the capital's airport takes you over the water, giving passengers the feeling of landing directly in the sea – a breathtaking start to your holiday in paradise.
The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba consists primarily of volcanic scenery. Landing here is a real challenge, especially because the Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has the shortest runway in the world! Pilots have just 350 meters to bring the aircraft to a stop.
The airport on the Caribbean island of Saba has the shortest runway in the world.
Source: IMAGO/Design Pics
Because it is one of the most demanding airports in the world, it can only be approached with a special permit from the Dutch Aviation Authority.
Paro Airport is located in the heart of the Himalayas at an altitude of 2,236 meters – no wonder landing there is one of the most exciting in the world.
Bhutan’s airport is located at an altitude of 2236 meters.
Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images
The small kingdom of Bhutan is located between the mighty mountain ranges of Tibet and India. Its area is comparable to Switzerland, but its population is far smaller. Another unique feature is that Bhutan is the only country in the world to have introduced a happiness index, the "Gross National Happiness Index."
From the plane directly to the ski slopes? This seems to be possible at the Tyrolean airport. The runway in Innsbruck, Austria, is located in the heart of the Alps and offers air travelers spectacular views during takeoff and landing – especially in winter.
Snow-capped mountains at Innsbruck Airport.
Source: IMAGO/Michael Kristen
Innsbruck Airport is not easy to approach: the surrounding mountain range generates strong winds that pilots have to contend with during takeoff and landing. It is therefore classified as a Category C airport, for which pilots require special training.
In addition to Heathrow and Stansted, London has another airport: London City Airport. The name says it all, because upon landing, you'll enjoy the best view of Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, and other landmarks from your seat. This gives sightseeing in London a whole new meaning!
London City Airport, with Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena visible in the background.
Source: imago images/robertharding
Anyone landing at Rio de Janeiro's airport can almost touch the famous Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Santos Dumont Airport is located close to the city center and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Because incoming aircraft have to avoid the mountain, landing is considered particularly challenging.
A plane lands at Santos Dumont Airport.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Pitkin County Airport in the US state of Colorado ranks fourth among the most beautiful landing approaches in the world. It's a hub for travelers heading to the famous ski resort of Aspen. During the approach, passengers enjoy impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
The small Aspen-Pitkin Airport in Colorado.
Source: imago/Action Pictures
Arriving on the Portuguese island of Madeira is nothing short of an adventure. Named after Cristiano Ronaldo, the airport is surrounded by spectacular cliffs, the island's lush green mountains, and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. It's no wonder this runway is a real eye-catcher.
The approach to Madeira is spectacular.
Source: IMAGO/Depositphotos
Madeira's airport is also known for its challenging approach. Because aircraft along the steep coastline face strong winds, only a few pilots are allowed to land in Funchal. They have received special training and have completed the landing routine.
New Zealand's natural landscapes are known for their distinctive blend of forest-covered mountains, rugged fjords, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Fortunately, Queenstown Airport on New Zealand's South Island is located right in the middle of it all.
Queenstown Airport in New Zealand.
Source: Getty Images
With the ridges of the Southern Alps on both sides and the view of Lake Wakatipu, even passengers who have arrived here many times are left breathless every time.
The airport on the small island of Lord Howe Island took first place. It stands out primarily for its short runway. But the view of the sea and mountains also impresses travelers more than at other airports.
The runway on Lord Howe Island.
Source: Getty Images
The Australian island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and steep mountain landscapes. Only 400 visitors are allowed on the paradisiacal island at one time. This limit makes Lord Howe Island one of the cleanest places in the world and largely untouched by nature.
If that’s not enough for you, here’s an overview of the 20 best-ranked airports.
The 20 most beautiful runways in the world:
- Lord Howe Island, Australia
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Madeira, Portugal
- Pitkin County, USA
- Rio de Janeiro – Santos Dumont, Brazil
- London City, United Kingdom
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Paro, Bhutan
- Juancho E. Yrausquin, Caribbean
- Daniel K. Inouye, USA
- Lukla, Nepal
- Seychelles International Airport
- Telluride, USA
- Nice Côte d'Azur, France
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Billy Bishop Toronto City, Canada
- Gibraltar
- Queen Beatrix Airport, Aruba
- Donegal, Ireland
- Narsarsuaq, Greenland
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