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The world's most jaw-dropping runways from Europe to Asia

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The world's most jaw-dropping runways from Europe to Asia
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Joanna Bailey Managing Editor | Simple Flying

Courchevel Altiport in France has a steep gradient, requiring skilled pilots for precise landings. Barra Airport in Scotland has unique beach runways that are accessible during low tide. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba is known for having one of the world's shortest commercial runways.

Runways are the lifelines connecting the skies to the ground, serving as gateways to thrilling adventures and far-flung destinations. While many runways may appear like mundane strips of asphalt, a select few stand out for their awe-inspiring and breathtaking settings. From challenging terrains to stunning natural landscapes, some runways offer a truly unforgettable experience for pilots and passengers. This article notes five such runways that are remarkable in terms of their location, surroundings, and accessibility.

Courchevel Altiport (CVF) in Courchevel, France, is situated at 6,558 feet (2,008 meters) with a steep gradient of 18.6%. The runway is just 1,762 feet (537 meters) long and requires highly skilled pilots to execute precise landings.

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"Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and charming alpine scenery," this runway offers a thrilling experience for winter sports enthusiasts visiting the world-famous ski resort of Courchevel. The airport has been used multiple times as the finish line of Tour de France.

Barra Airport (BRR) in Eoligarry, Scotland stands out for its unique beach runways marked by wooden poles on the sandy beaches of Traigh Mhòr. During low tide, the runways become accessible allowing planes to land directly on the beach.

This unconventional airport set against rugged Scottish landscapes provides an extraordinary landing experience. "Flight times depend on the tide," adding another layer of complexity and uniqueness to this airport.

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) located on Saba's small Dutch Caribbean island boasts one of the world's shortest commercial runways at just 1,312 feet (400 meters). Surrounded by steep cliffs and the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea, various charter airlines serve this airport where some flights are shorter than 15 minutes long.

"The challenging approach requires pilots to navigate a tight turn and descend sharply," providing stunning views of lush greenery and azure waters upon landing.

Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is known for its runway intersecting Gibraltar's main road which required traffic halts during aircraft operations until March this year when a bypass tunnel was opened.

Flanked by "the iconic Rock of Gibraltar," GIB offers unique scenery combined with strategic location features that add adventure to its operational routine despite recent changes reducing direct vehicular interactions with aircraft movements.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) in Chaurikharka, Nepal is often dubbed "the most dangerous airport in the world." Nestled in the Himalayas at an elevation of 9,337 feet (2,846 meters), it serves as a gateway to Everest region with its short length and steep gradient runway posing significant challenges amidst unpredictable weather conditions.

Surrounded by towering mountains LUA remains essential for trekkers and climbers heading towards Mount Everest offering an exhilarating start to their Himalayan expeditions.

Have you ever visited any of these airports? Let us know in the comments.

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