Are these the world’s most remote airports?
Many customers choose to fly by private jet to save time or to access more airports. One of the major benefits of private jet travel is the ability it gives to reach smaller airports – ten times more airports than airlines in fact.
And some of these smaller airports are situated in some most remote places of the world, giving a spectacular and rare view on arrival.
A tucked away island; a mountain runway in the heart of the Himalayas; or even a landing on the Antarctic ice, here are some of the world’s remote runways – as shortlisted by our judging panel in this year’s PrivateFly Scenic Airports poll.
Paro, Bhutan
The only international airport in Bhutan, Paro is located in a valley, a few metres from the river Paro Chhu and surrounded by the 5000m+ Himalayas.
This high altitude approach makes an arrival at Paro especially thrilling.
Travel writer Lee Abbamonte, who visited 318 countries around the world, names Paro as one of his favourite airport approaches: “You literally have to take a sharp right angle to land in Paro; which is the only airport in the small Himalayan kingdom. The approach is harrowing but very cool!“
Telluride, Colorado, USA
Located 2767m above sea level, Telluride airport is one of the highest in the United States. It’s a challenging landing for pilots, due to its steep approach through the San Juan mountains.
And it offers breathtaking views for travellers, especially at sunset.
Aviation journalist Benet Wilson, explains the difficulty of the approach: “An amazing landing, but not for the faint of heart. The runway is carved into the side of a mountain, and if you miss the approach, you’re diverted to Montrose. But the views coming in are spectacular.”
Cordova, Alaska, USA
Cordova is a small coastal town in Alaska. Cut off by road, it is only accessible by aircraft or by boat.
Its short runway hosts mainly private jets and small aircraft. And it can also handle landings by seaplane.
Whether you land on water or on land, the view over the sea and the unspoilt Alaskan landscape is simply breathtaking. Travel and aviation journalist Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren says: “Stunning scenery mixed with a complex approach makes this not just an interesting view, but a fun ride!”
Lukla, Nepal
One of the most geographically extreme airports in the world, Lukla Airport is the gateway to Mount Everest. It was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in 2008, in honour of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first men to reach the mountain’s summit.
The airport is accessible only by helicopters and smaller aircraft. The runway is steep, short and wedged between the mountains, so it is very challenging for pilots.
Travle journalist Maxime Pagnoux says: “Often ranked as the most dangerous airport in the world, it is also the point of arrival for adventurers who want to climb Everest. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
In the heart of the Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole is an ideal destination for lovers of hiking or skiing.
During the peak season, it becomes one of the busiest airports in Wyoming, particularly popular for flight connections to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.
Carol Cork, Marketing Director of PrivateFly, says: “The Teton mountains are such a memorable sight as you fly into Jackson Hole. With Yellowstone National Park surrounding you on all sides, it’s a spectacular air arrival.”
Barra, Scotland
Barra Airport is located on the isle of Barra, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. It is the only airport in the world where the runway is sometimes completely covered by water, making landing impossible during high tide.
It is a favourite of PrivateFly’s CEO Adam Twidell, a Scot himself: “A unique opportunity to land on a tidal beach runway, this really is an out-of-this-world arrival into Scotland’s outer Hebrides.“
St Moritz, Switzerland
Samedan St Moritz Airport is the second highest in Europe, after Courchevel. It was originally a small local airfield, but can now accommodate larger private aircraft (it is not accessible to airline flights).
Particularly popular in winter, it is the gateway to the Swiss ski resort of St Moritz.
Carol Cork describes the approach: “A striking arrival into one of the highest airports in Europe, you feel like you’re on top of the world as you arrive between mountains into the beautiful Engadin Valley.”
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Just a few miles from the exclusive resort of Aspen, Aspen-Pitkin Airport is very popular with skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Given its steep approach and landing through a valley, it is an unusually challenging landing.
Jason Rabinowitz, of Forbes, described it as follows: “Aside from being an extremely difficult approach, Aspen is also a beautiful approach. Snow covered mountains flank the airport on three of four sides, giving passengers a beautiful welcome to a beautiful place.”
Ice Runway, Antarctica
This is arguably the most remote airport in the world. It is only used in winter until the ice begins to melt. Then is rebuilt every year.
It is located near the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. According to pilots, landing there is similar to a conventional landing, but more slippery!
Lee Abbamonte comments: “Simply the coolest approach and runway in the world. Landing on the blue ice in the middle of a white desert is something you’ll never forget and want to do again!”
For a personalised quote to reach any of these airports by private charter aircraft, use our online flight search or contact our Flight Team on +44 1747 642 777.
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