Flight times vary at this unique beach runway according to the tides. The runway is underwater once each day.
The airport is unique, being the only one in the world where scheduled flights use a beach as the runway. The airport is operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, which owns most of the regional airports in mainland Scotland and the outlying islands. Barra Airport opened in 1936.
Only certified pilots are permitted to land here, as the approach is through deep valleys and tough mountain conditions. Since it is located in the French Alps, these dangerous conditions make for great viewing for the passengers.
The airfield has a very short runway of only 537 metres (1,762 ft) with a gradient of 18.6%. There is no go-aroundprocedure for landings at Courchevel, due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters and DHC-7 Dash 7 turboprops served the airport in the past; however, the airfield primarily sees smaller fixed-wing aircraft such as Cessnas as well as helicopters at present. The runway has no instrument approach procedure or lighting aids, thus making landing in fog and low clouds unsafe and almost impossible
The approach to Hulhule offers views of the archipelago in the lap of the Indian Ocean.Male airport is the main gateway into the Maldives islands for tourists. It is currently the only airport in the country offering international flights.
5. Queenstown airport, New Zealand
New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, and coming in from the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A regular scenic route between Queenstown and Milford Sound was first established by Southern Scenic Air Services Ltd in August 1951. Mount Cook Airline was the pioneer of tourist flights into Queenstown.
It has been constructed on an artificial island which is connected to the mainland by a 1.8-mile-long (3 km) bridge. The turquoise water is visible from every angle.
7. Madeira Airport, Portugal
The runway is surrounded by high mountains and the ocean. Despite the beauty for passengers, it is a tricky runway even for most experienced pilots.
The runway is just .4 miles long (650 metres), which makes it suitable only for chartered flights. The angles are very tight with unusual wind conditions, but that does not detract from the beautiful approach.
It is known for the shortest runway in the world. At just a quarter-mile (396 metre) long and flanked by hills, only helicopters and small aircrafts can use it.
10. Toronto City Airport, Canada
A combination of skyscrapers and natural beauty make landing in Toronto a sightseeing experience.
Located in the Himalayas, it offers a view of small houses scattered around the foothills. Though landing is considered to be tough here, the views over the clear blue waters over the Paro river and the lush green surroundings take the edge off passengers’ nerves.
Located at just a third-mile (500 meters) from Gibraltar’s city center, the runway is intersected by a road that has to be closed every time there is a movement on the runway. The rock of Gibraltar is visible on the approach.
