The World’s Five Most Jaw-Dropping Runways

Summary

  • 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 truly jaw-dropping in terms of their location, surroundings, and accessibility.

5

Courchevel Altiport (CVF)

Courchevel, France

Courchevel Altiport in the French Alps is a true gem for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Situated at 6,558 feet (2,008 meters), this runway features a steep gradient of 18.6%. At just 1,762 feet (537 meters) in length, highly skilled pilots are required to execute precise landings.

An aerial view of the Altiport de Courchevel covered in snow.

Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and charming alpine scenery, the 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.

Year

Stage

Start

Finish

Stage length

1997

14

Le Bourg-d’Oisans

Courchevel

148.0 km (92.0 mi)

2000

15

Briançon

Courchevel

173.5 km (107.8 mi)

2005

10

Grenoble

Courchevel

177.0 km (110.0 mi)

2023

17

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

Courchevel

166 km (103 mi)

Related

5 Fast Facts About Air France’s Luxurious ‘La Première’ First Class Cabin

The La Première cabin is considered to be one of the best in the skies.

4

Barra Airport (BRR)

Eoligarry, Scotland

You’ve probably heard of Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, where planes fly past seemingly mere feet over the heads of sunbathers. But have you heard of a runway that’s right on a beach?

Runways

Length

Surface

07/25

2,621 ft (799 m)

Sand

11/29

2,231 ft (680 m)

Sand

15/33

2,776 ft (846 m)

Sand

A turboprop aircraft at Barra Airport.

Barra Airport in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland stands out for its unique beach runways. The three runways, marked by wooden poles, are on the sandy beaches of Traigh Mhòr. During low tide, the runways become accessible, and pilots can land their planes directly on the beach, meaning that flight times depend on the tide. This unconventional airport, set against rugged Scottish landscapes, provides an extraordinary and unforgettable landing experience.

Related

3 Reasons Why Avgeeks Love Scotland’s Barra Airport

The airport handles just two flights per day.

3

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB)

Saba, Caribbean

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

Airlines

Destinations

Anguilla Air Services

Charter: Anguilla

SXM Airways

Charter: Sint Maarten

Winair

Sint Maarten Charter: Antigua

Windward Express

Charter: Sint Maarten

An aerial view of Juancho E. Yrausquin airport.

The challenging approach requires pilots to navigate a tight turn and descend sharply to land safely. This remote and picturesque airport provides a thrilling experience for pilots and passengers, offering stunning views of the island’s lush greenery and azure waters.

Related

United Airlines To Increase Latin America And Caribbean Flights In November

Most changes are concentrated at United’s Houston hub.

2

Gibraltar International Airport (GIB)

Gibraltar

Passengers

446,187

Passenger change 2021–22

70%

Aircraft movements

3,868

Movements change 2021–22

18.3%

Gibraltar International Airport is known for its runway, which intersects the main road in and out of Gibraltar. When an aircraft takes off or lands, traffic must come to a halt, creating a fascinating sight for onlookers. In the past, this caused traffic delays, as the road had to be closed more than 15 times a day.

A panoramic view of Gibraltar airport, with the Rock of Gibraltar in full view.

However, in March this year, a bypass tunnel was opened to the public, and vehicular access across the runway was closed. Nonetheless, flanked by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, GIB offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, strategic location, and a touch of adventure.

Related

Which Airlines Fly To Gibraltar Airport?

The UK’s Ministry of Defence owns the airport, but it is operated by the Government of Gibraltar.

1

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA)

Chaurikharka, Nepal

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the airport dubbed the most dangerous in the world. Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, LUA in Nepal is renowned for its dramatic and adventurous runway. Serving as the gateway to the Everest region, this runway is situated at an elevation of 9,337 feet (2,846 meters) and is known for its short length and steep gradient.

The view of the runway at Lukla Airport.

Airlines

Destinations

Sita Air

Kathmandu, Manthali

Summit Air

Kathmandu, Manthali

Tara Air

Kathmandu, Manthali Charter: Phaplu

Surrounded by towering mountains, pilots face the challenge of navigating through unpredictable weather conditions and landing on a runway that slopes uphill. LUA is an essential access point for trekkers and climbers embarking on the journey to Mount Everest, offering an exhilarating start to their Himalayan expedition. People who have been at the airport would certainly testify to the conditions.

Related

Not Just Lukla & Kathmandu: A Brief Guide To Nepal’s Other Main Airports

Nepal has an impressive 48 airports, 11 of which are paved, while several others are defunct.

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *