Quantcast

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

Routes 360 Headlines: Key Stories Of The Week (W/C October 20, 2025)
LATAM CEO: New Aircraft Mean New Routes, Engine Woes Remain A Concern
Boeing wins FAA approval to hike 737 MAX production to 42 planes per month
IATA Highlights Critical Priorities for Aviation Safety and Operations
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 22, 2025)
First new Qantas Airbus jets come with one toilet for every 90 economy passengers – worse than Jetstar, Scoot and Ryanair
Breeze Airways becomes the first new US flag carrier in a decade — just as rival Spirit fights its 2nd bankruptcy
Airport runway close calls spur hopes for wider adoption of cockpit alert technology
Family sues American Airlines over deadly crash near National Airport
United Airlines briefly grounds all flights in US, Canada for second time in 2 months
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike
United Airlines lifts brief ground stop after tech issue prompts FAA halt
Spirit Airlines preparing to furlough one-third of its flight attendants
‘Hypocrisy’ and ‘blackmail’: Ryanair’s feud with Spain
Exclusive: Turkey's surprise Air Europa deal came down to one key thing: control
Major airline launches exciting new route from Scotland to popular US location
Airlines fear carbon tax as flagship climate scheme develops holes
Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
Turkish Airlines has no intention of raising stake in Spain's Air Europa, chairman says
US lawmakers want Trump to reinstate delay compensation plan for air travelers
IATA pushes to raise international pilot retirement age to 67
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest’s New Wheelchair Policy Will Require Passengers to Remove 1 Item Before Boarding — What to Know
Aviation expansion: IndiGo to start direct Mumbai-Copenhagen flights from Oct 8; marks entry into Nordics - The Times of India
Major change for ALL Aer Lingus passengers flying from busy airport to offer 'modern and streamlined' experience
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Southwest requiring removal of batteries from mobility devices before boarding
Qantas’ milestone move for huge, new planes
The world's most jaw-dropping runways from Europe to Asia
Policy
Webp q21f5nitffycj044lotyey7psz4t
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"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.

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

American Airlines has established itself as the world's largest airline by number of hubs, operating ten across the United States.

Oct 24, 2025

The Boeing TC-135W, a specialized training aircraft derived from the C-135/RC-135 reconnaissance family, continues to serve the United States Air Force (USAF) and its allies decades after many similar jets have been retired.

Oct 24, 2025

Frontier Airlines has started serving three airports in Virginia for the first time, with its inaugural flight to Richmond from Atlanta on October 17.

Oct 24, 2025

When Russia closed its airspace to airlines from countries aligned with the West following the war in Ukraine, airlines had to find new routes.

Oct 24, 2025

Jet engine manufacturer GE Aerospace reported a significant increase in profits for the third quarter of 2025, driven by strong demand for its commercial jet engines and related services.

Oct 24, 2025

For over thirty years, United Airlines has relied on the Boeing 757 as a key aircraft for its transatlantic routes.

Oct 24, 2025