Which 10 airports offer the world’s best runway views?
Every year PrivateFly runs a poll to find the world’s most stunning airport landings. This is something we have been asking travel fans for five years now, and it never fails to excite us and – most importantly – our voters.
And the winner? This year the airport with the most votes overall was….
Queenstown in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s South Island has some of the most jawdropping natural scenery available anywhere in the world and Queenstown Airport’s landing offers the perfect airside introduction. It has always been highly praised by our voters but this year claims the top spot – and deservedly so.
One of our voters commented: “I’ve flown to many beautiful locations worldwide but NOTHING even comes close to comparing with the thrill and beauty that stuns you as you come in to land at Queenstown.” Another said “I had no words, just tears of awe and beauty when I landed here! It’s completely enveloped by Mother Nature.”
Take a look at this video of the landing at Queenstown and it’s easy to see why (it’s just over 4 minutes long but stick with it, it’s worth it):
A stunning variety of runway views
Our poll has become an annual checklist for the well-travelled, and we publish a Top 10 of the airports receiving the most votes. This list always offers a fascinating mix of global descents – and this year was no exception. See this year’s Top 10.
From iconic city views such as Las Vegas McCarran and London City Airport; to tiny remote airstrips such as the dazzling landing at Saba (Juancho E Yrausquin Airport) in the Caribbean, the world’s shortest commercial runway. Or the unique beach landing at Barra Airport in the Outer Hebrides.
This year we had over 3,000 voters taking part, and a total of 147 different, global airports were nominated. We had suggested a shortlist of 37, put together by our judging panel of travel experts, including Bill Prince, deputy editor of GQ magazine; David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and aviation journalists Matthew Stibbe, Sylvie Peron and Benet Wilson. Voters could pick from the shortlist or nominate a different airport of their own choice.
Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO Scott Paterson is thrilled with the accolade and says it’s fantastic international recognition for the airport: “The approach to Queenstown over the snowcapped Southern Alps, pristine lakes and national parks is truly spectacular and inspiring. We’re delighted that so many travellers around the world think so too!”
Do you agree with this year’s Top 10?
Here’s a slideshow of this year’s Top 10 landings. Do you agree with our voters or would you have included different landings in your Top 10? Tell us your views on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #runwayviews
For private jet charter prices to these airports (or any less scenic ones) you can contact our Flight Team 24 hours on +44 (0)1747 642 777.