There’s something magical about descending into an airport with breathtaking views out of your window.
From dramatic mountain ranges to turquoise coastlines, some landings feel more like a sightseeing tour than just a flight.
Here are some of the most scenic airport landings in the world—ranked from #10 to #1! Do you agree with our order? Let us know in the comments!
10. Innsbruck Airport (INN) – Austria
Winter flights into Innsbruck offer incredible vistas of the snow-covered Austrian Alps, with planes weaving between mountains before making their descent.
9. Barra Airport (BRR) – Scotland
One of the most unique landings in the world—planes here land directly on the beach! The runway is made of sand and is completely covered at high tide.
8. Madeira Airport (FNC) – Portugal
With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and towering cliffs on the other, flights into Madeira provide breathtaking coastal views—especially as pilots navigate the tricky crosswinds.
7. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – France
Landing in Nice feels like touching down on water, as the approach takes you over the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea with the French Riviera’s coastline in the distance.
6. Malé International Airport (MLE) – Maldives
Surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and coral reefs, this landing offers stunning aerial views of tropical islands and turquoise waters before you even step onto the sand.
5. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) – New Zealand
Nestled among the Southern Alps, flights into Queenstown provide breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep blue lakes, and rugged landscapes—a true feast for the eyes.
4. Gustaf III Airport (SBH) – St. Barts
This tiny Caribbean airport offers an adrenaline-pumping landing over a hilltop before swooping down onto a short runway near a stunning bay.
3. Paro Airport (PBH) – Bhutan
Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, only a handful of pilots are certified to land at this challenging airport. Passengers get a spectacular view of mountains, monasteries, and lush valleys on the approach.
2. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) – St. Maarten
Few landings are as thrilling as this one! Planes approach just meters above Maho Beach, where beachgoers watch in awe as jets skim overhead before touching down.
1. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) – Saba
We think this one takes the prize. Saba is home to the world’s shortest commercial runway, this Caribbean airport sits on a cliffside, with dramatic ocean views making for an unforgettable arrival.
Do you agree with our ranking? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this, check out our latest video on the world’s most scenic landings—link in the first comment below!
