Here are the 5 most dangerous airports in the world

You know you've taken off, not when and where you'll land. Well, that's a joke, but what's true is that the following airports will require very specific skills from the pilots. And 100% of the time, they'll get your adrenalin pumping. From the feeling of landing on water to the ultra-short runway, discover the 5 scariest airports in the world.

Extreme airports

When you suffer from aerodromophobia, the fear of flying, even the best airport in the world is seen as dangerous. And yet, as the statistics keep reminding us, air travel is the most reliable means of transportation. Still not convinced? Perhaps this little tour of extreme airports will make you realize that your situation isn't so bad after all; unless, of course, one or other of these destinations is part of your trip.

Top 5 most dangerous airports in the world

In the aviation world, these airports are notorious for demanding a great deal of technique and composure from pilots. Here's an overview of these extreme locations.

5. Barra Airport (Scotland)

Located to the north of Barra Island, this is the only airport in the world to use the beach as a runway. Flight times are therefore dependent on the tides.

4. Ice Runway (Antarctica)

The problem here is not so much the space, but the ice. There is no runway to speak of. Medium- and long-haul aircraft have to make sure they land 'softly' to avoid damaging the ice, which is already under severe strain from global warming.

3. Princess Juliana Airport (Saint-Martin)

This international airport is located in the Dutch part of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin. It is right next to one of the island's busiest beaches, giving the impression from the window of landing on water. Accidents involving holidaymakers enjoying the beach have already occurred, that's for sure!

2. Gibraltar International Airport

Landing in Gibraltar is like landing in a small space. On one side of the runway, an enormous rock, on the other, the bustling city, and all around, the sea. And as if that weren't enough, Winston Churchill Avenue with its heavy traffic crosses the runway. Motorists are obliged to stop every time a plane takes off or lands.

1. Tenzing-Hillary airport (Nepal)

Located in the Nepalese town of Lukla, not far from Mount Everest, this high-altitude airport (2,400 meters) is set in the mountains. Its runway is just 500 metres long. Winds are fierce and visibility often poor. And beware of the altitude sickness that awaits you as you step off the plane!

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This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

World Airport Awards: The World’s Top 10 Airports of 2023

Peuravion: Statistiques : l’avion est-il vraiment le moyen de transport le plus sûr ?

Fodor's Travel: The World’s 13 Most Dangerous Airports