Airports are not often thought of as destinations themselves, but some are actually found in the most beautiful locations. This makes for a great introduction to the rest of the country.
PrivateFly, a private airplane company, took a poll on the top 10 most scenic airports of the year:
1. Donegal Airport – Ireland
Credit: @DonegalA/Twitter
Donegal is a country west of Northern Ireland. Only attached to the Irish Republic on a thin borderline, you either have to drive through Northern Ireland or fly to get there.
It’s considered a great coastal getaway in the country and hosts the lush green vistas that Ireland is known for. The landing strip for the airport gives you a great site of both as you make your way in.
‘Stunning varied scenery including mountains sea and beautiful beaches in the vicinity of the airport and beyond throughout the whole of county Donegal. Exceptionally friendly and welcoming people to greet you on arrival,’ said one voter.
2. Msembe Airstrip – Tanzania
Credit: @TanzaniaUpdates/Twitter
Msembe Airstrip is found in the middle of the Ruaha National Park in the Iringa Region of Tanzania. A limited number of regional airlines fly into this strip and it’s the most popular route for tourists into the Park.
‘Great view of the landscape and wildlife!’ said one voter.
3. Skiathos (Alexandros Papadiamantis) Airport – Greece
Credit:@CustodioRubens/Twitter
This airport on the island of Skiathos is 1628 metres, making it a relatively short runway.
As the plane makes its approach, passengers have a full view of the island stretching up from the beaches to the pine-covered hills. You also come in low over the sea which is quite a thrilling experience.
‘The landing is incredible. The sea, harbour, boats, trees and Skiathos town. Who would not want to see it!,’ said one voter.
4. Orlando Melbourne International Airport – USA
This flight brings you in over Melbourne Florida, which can either be an azure beach vista in the daytime or a glittering island of house lights at night. Since this part of the US is so flat, the view stretches on for ages as you look out your window.
‘The take off over the coastline is absolutely stunning!’ one voter said.
5. Barra Airport – Scotland
Credit: @jong_pj
Who wouldn’t love landing on a beach? This airport’s landing strip is a just a thin bit of land between tho seas. The smaller Twin Otter planes have to time their flight schedule with the tides as the runway is submerged under high tide.
‘It is unique with a beach landing surrounded by islands and bright blue sea,’ said one voter.
6. Bora Bora (Motu Mute) Airport – French Polynesia
Bora Bora is already famed for its beauty, but who knew that this starts with your flights landing. The landing strip is built in the middle of a lagoon, so the beautiful blue comes in on every side as your plane touches down.
‘Incredible views over the crystal waters of Bora Bora,’ said one voter.
7. St Maarten (Princess Juliana) International Airport – St Maarten
Credit:@airportwebcams/Twitter
St Maarten’s airport is already known for its incredible airport which starts just behind a popular beach. Many travellers take that well-known picture with the massive planes coming in to land just above their heads. It’s also great as a passenger as coming in so low over the beach and seeing all the people and boats dotted on the shore line sets up the excitement for your beautiful beach holiday.
‘It has an amazing runway and a stunning view over the island/ocean,’ said one voter.
8. Praslin Island Airport – Seychelles
This airport is so beautiful that it doesn’t matter which runway your plane approaches from. Either you’re catching your breath as you fly in low over trees between the mountains or you’re in awe at the white sand beaches as you come in over the sea and take in the views.
‘Seeing the mountains and the seas.. glimpse the rays flying through the waves! It’s an ethereal feeling!’
9. Dubai International Airport – United Arab Emirates
Aerial view from airplane window, artificial palm island in Dubai. Panoramic view.
Out of this whole list, this is probably one of the only airports most have been to. Although a popular hub, the flight in treats you to incredible views of Dubai and it’s futuristic buildings and man-made islands.
‘It is like flying into the future.’ said one voter.
10. Nadi International Airport – Fiji
It’s clear that islands make for the best take-offs and landings and Fiji is no exception. As you fly in, seeing the island stretch out as it rises from the Pacific is gorgeous and the sleeping giant mountain coming into view is enough to make any weary traveller wake up.
‘The views of the Nadi bay and mountainous regions are amazing when landing,’ said one voter.
Image: PrivateFly
