TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sometimes, the window seat in a plane offers more than just a view; it becomes your first glimpse into a destination. As the plane begins to descend, the scenery sharpens: turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks, or dramatic skylines come into view. These are the kinds of approaches that have earned them a reputation as the most beautiful airport landings in the world.
A recent study by AllClear Travel Insurance ranked the most beautiful airport landings, with the Aussie island’s Lord Howe Island Airport claiming the very top spot. Other airports that deliver breathtaking vistas on approach include:
1. Lord Howe Island Airport, Australia (Score: 85)
Tucked between the Tasman Sea and lush mountains, it’s easy to see why Lord Howe Island firmly topped the most beautiful airport landings list. Though the runway is short, landing at this UNESCO World Heritage site feels like touching down in paradise. With a strict cap of just 400 visitors per year, the view from above isn’t just scenic but an exclusive peek at an untouched sanctuary.
2. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand (Score: 79)
New Zealand never disappoints when it comes to stunning scenery, and Queenstown Airport is no exception. As flyers descend into this adventure capital, they’re greeted by an otherworldly blend of the snow-capped Southern Alps and crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu.
3. Madeira Airport, Portugal (Score: 77)
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and steep mountain cliffs, arriving at Madeira Airport is a breathtaking experience from the very first glimpse. However, this scenic adventure requires another level of skills from pilots.
4. Pitkin County Airport, USA (Score: 77)
As one of the world’s most beautiful airport landings, Pitkin County owes its charm to the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The alpine beauty begins to unfold even before touchdown, with breathtaking views visible from either side of the plane.
5. Rio de Janeiro–Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil (Score: 76)
With its runway seeming to stretch directly into the deep-blue water, Rio de Janeiro–Santos Dumont Airport offers a once-in-a-lifetime aviation experience. Passengers can enjoy the view of iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Guanabara Bay.
6. London City Airport, United Kingdom (Score: 76)
London City Airport comes in sixth place, presenting a stunning bird’s-eye view of the capital’s iconic skyline. From the winding River Thames to The Shard and Tower Bridge, some of London’s most famous landmarks become visible during the brief but memorable descent.
7. Innsbruck Airport, Austria (Score: 74)
Even when you’re just about to enter Austria, Innsbruck Airport is already ready to give you all the otherworldly vistas of the Austrian Alps. Landing when winter brings more magic, with the towering mountains beautifully snow-capped.
8. Paro Airport, Bhutan (Score: 72)
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most challenging airports, Bhutan’s Paro Airport is flanked by 18,000-foot Himalayan peaks. As the plane weaves through the narrow mountain valley, traditional Bhutanese architecture scattered along the hillsides brings a vivid glimpse of the nation’s cultural allure.
9. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean Netherlands (Score: 69)
Another ocean-hugging runway earning the distinction is the Caribbean Netherlands’ Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. A landing here takes you to a thrilling and memorable experience of sighting the striking contrast of volcanic terrain and crystal-clear sea waters. Notably, its runway is also the world’s shortest commercial runway.
10. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, USA (Score: 68)
A gateway to Honolulu, Daniel K. Inouye rounds out the world’s most beautiful airport landings list. Planes landing here descend over turquoise waters and lush volcanic islands, naturally setting the mood for the island retreat.
While some airports are just transit hubs, these airports transform a routine landing into a truly memorable experience. So, be sure to prepare your camera long before the wheels touch the ground. If you're ready for more discovery, come explore the most beautiful airports in the world.
CONDE NAST TRAVELLER | TIMEOUT | ALLCLEAR TRAVEL | AVIATION A2Z
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