Open All Hours? Not these unusual airports
Whether asphalt, concrete, grass or sand, each of the world’s 44,000 airports is unique. And that includes their availability and opening hours.
The length, slope and type of an airport’s runway, plus its location and environment all affect its conditions of use, and which aircraft can use it.
Private aircraft, generally smaller and more agile, can access many airports that are off limits to commercial airlines. In Europe alone, there are over 2000 airports used by business aviation, while airlines use around 200.
Some airports are equipped with extraordinary infrastructure, others offer stunning views on approach (see the results of our annual survey to find The World’s Most Scenic Airports 2016).
And while many are open 24-hours to private jet aircraft, others offer more limited access – either in their daily hours, or sometimes opening or closing at certain times in the year.
We take a look at some of our favourite unusual and seasonal airports.
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1) Megève: Summer only
At an altitude of 1439m, Megève Altiport is one of the highest airports in the world. It is close to Mont Blanc and just a stone’s throw from the ski resort of Chamonix.
Closed to commercial aviation for many years, in August 2016 aircraft operator Alpine Airlines was authorised by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to offer commercial private charter to and from Megève, using the agile Vulcanair P-68 aircraft.
But while hikers and mountain bikers can now enjoy a more direct route to the area, skiers need not celebrate just yet. Megève’s runway is covered in snow for much of the winter (which is not cleared), and it is only allowed to accept flights when there is no snow on the ground. So the airport will likely remain closed for several months a year.
Fortunately, there are many other ski airports accessible to private jets and helicopters throughout the year!
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2) Black Rock City: One week a year
An arts festival in the desert, bringing over 60,000 visitors each summer into Black Rock City, Nevada.
Like the city itself, the Black Rock City Airport is ephemeral: It is built in a week, used for a week, then disappears.
At the heart of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, the airport consists only of a sand runway and the minimum necessary infrastructure (including a control tower, runway markings and customs). The airport is only accessible on foot and is run by volunteers.
Despite its temporary nature, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) does officially recognise the airport (which identifies with the code 88NV). Pilots are required to familiarise themselves with the unusual procedures of the airport before landing.
3) Barra: Subject to the tides
Barra is an island in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, located in the northwest of the British Isles. The island is accessible by ferry or by air if the conditions are ideal.
Indeed, Barra Airport uses the sands of An Tràigh Mhòr (which literally means ‘big beach’) as its runway. Turboprops such as the Twin Otter can land most days of the year – but only when the tide is out. Otherwise the runway is covered in water.
It’s subject to the light too – as there’s no lighting on a sand runway! For emergency flights, cars are called upon to shine their headlights onto the beach.
Barra Airport is the only airport in the world based on a tidal beach and, since winning PrivateFly’s Scenic Airports poll in 2011, it has become a growing tourist attraction. The airport celebrated its 80th anniversary in August 2016.
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4) The Ice Runway: Melts away
While Megève doesn’t allow landings on snow and ice, Antarctica’s Ice Runway is its polar opposite: It can only be used when it’s cold enough.
The airport serves the United States Antarctic research centre, on the south tip of Ross Island, Antartica. Completely frozen for much of the year, the runway literally melts away in the summer – as it’s made of ice.
It is rebuilt every winter and used until December, when the ice begins to break away.
For pilots, it’s similar to a conventional landing. However, aircraft are constantly monitored when parked up on the airport’s apron, to prevent them from sinking into the ice.
The runway can accommodate large transport planes and military patrol as Lockheed C-5 Galaxy EY the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
5) Phinda: Game stops play
The &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has a wild airstrip, in every sense.
Phinda is one of the best known safari locations in the North East of South Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean. It has a runway in the heart of its 170 km² reserve, but this is only accessible when there are no animals close by.
And, with a diverse population of wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and more, it’s in both the animals’ and the visitors’ best interests that landings are carefully controlled.
Many stunning safari locations can be accessed via private aircraft charter. For pricing and advice for any global destination, contact us or call our expert Flight Team (24/7) on +44 1747 642 777.
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