Quantcast

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

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
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

The 72nd Annual General Meeting of Deutsche Lufthansa AG commenced punctually at 10:00 a.m. today, with up to 35,000 shareholders registered for the event.

May 6, 2025

Air India has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Delhi and Tokyo Haneda, commencing on June 15, 2025.

May 5, 2025

Allegiant Air announced a limited-time promotion on May 1, 2025, offering Allways Rewards members up to $50 off bookings of $200 or more with promo code LOVEALLWAYS.

May 5, 2025

Airlines for America announced its gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for their commitment to modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.

May 5, 2025

Finnair has announced the cancellation of approximately 100 flights on May 5, 2025, due to industrial action by the Finnish Aviation Union at Helsinki Airport.

May 5, 2025

EVA Air has announced its participation in the 2025 Taiwanese Heritage Night at Angel Stadium, where it will offer giveaways and a chance to win a free trip to Taiwan.

May 5, 2025