Many types of airports exist in the world. Some airports are luxurious, equipped with modern systems, and handle plenty of passengers. Among them, the most dangerous airports in the world are often cited. These airports are said to be dangerous due to geographical challenges, unpredictable weather conditions, and lack of adequate facilities. Despite their dangers, these airports attract adventure seekers with their unique charm. Listed below are the top ten most dangerous airports in the world:
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Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) Nepal
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is a domestic airport located in the town of Lukla, Nepal. It is famous for its beautiful yet perilous location, being situated closest to the mountains, creating challenging conditions for aircraft takeoffs and landings, especially due to the high altitude. This airport is popular for mountaineers heading to base camps in the Himalayas. Daily flights between Kathmandu and Lukla serve the needs of adventurers, with approximately 20 to 30 flights operating during peak seasons and attracting around 300,000 trekkers annually.
Barra Airport (BRR) Scotland
Barra Airport, located at the northern tip of the Isle of Barra in Scotland, is unique in the world as it utilizes a tidal beach as its runway. The runway, which is only 5 feet above ground level, is submerged during high tides. Since its opening in 1974, the airport has served around 14,000 passengers annually, with approximately 1,400 aircraft movements.
Paro International Airport (PBH) Bhutan
Situated deep in a valley at an altitude of 2,235 meters (7,332 feet) above sea level, Paro International Airport in Bhutan poses significant challenges for pilots due to its surrounding mountains rising as high as 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). Flights are permitted only under favorable weather conditions, and operations are limited to daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset. The airport serves as a vital hub for Bhutan Airlines and Drukair.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) Japan
Kansai International Airport, the world’s first ocean airport, and most dangerous airport in the world built on a landfill island in Osaka Bay, Japan. It is notorious for its susceptibility to uncertain weather conditions, including earthquakes and floods. Despite these challenges, the airport serves approximately 28 million passengers annually, making it the third busiest airport in Japan.
Ice Runway Airfield (NZIR) Antarctica
The Ice Runway Airfield, located at McMurdo Sound in Antarctica, serves as the principal runway for the U.S. Antarctic Program. It is constructed afresh each year on the frozen sea ice near McMurdo Station and remains operational only during the coldest periods of the year. Aircraft undergo laser measurement upon landing to assess ice penetration depth, and any sinking beyond 10 inches necessitates relocation to a safer spot on the ice.
Gibraltar International Airport (GIB)
Formerly known as North Front Airport, Gibraltar International Airport is situated at British Lines Road in Gibraltar. Owned by the Ministry of Defence and operated by the Royal Air Force, this airport is considered one of the most dangerous due to its short runway and the water surrounding it on both sides. Landings, especially during winter, are particularly challenging due to formidable crosswinds around the rock formation and throughout the Bay of Gibraltar.
Toncontin International Airport (TGU) Honduras
Formerly known as Teniente Coronel Hernan Acosta Mejia Airport, Toncontin International Airport is located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Its hilly terrain requires pilots to execute abrupt maneuvers during approach to align with the runway. While many pilots have successfully navigated this challenging approach, an incident in May 2008 involving an Airbus A320 overshooting the runway resulted in five fatalities.
Gustaf III Airport, St. Barts (SBH)
Situated in Saint-Barthélemy, Gustaf III Airport is renowned for its compact runway nestled between the shoreline and a steep incline, making it one of the most perilous airfields for aircraft landings. Aircraft must touch down precisely above markers painted on the road to ensure a safe landing.
Courchevel International Airport (CVF)
Courchevel International Airport, located in the French Alps, is known for its short runway and challenging atmospheric conditions due to its mountainous surroundings. Only small aircraft and helicopters are capable of operating at this airfield, requiring pilots with specialized training to navigate the intricate descent and touchdown process.
Madeira International Airport (FNC)
Formerly known as Santa Catarina Airport and officially named Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Madeira International Airport in Portugal presents challenges for pilots due to harsh winds blowing from the North Atlantic Ocean and mountainous terrain surrounding the area.
