Buzz
The PrivateFly.com rental network has recently conducted a survey with travelers and pilots to uncover the most picturesque landing points and airport approaches in the world. Regardless of the landing approach, whether from high above or flying low, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas upon touchdown.
1. Marco Polo International Airport, Venice, Italy
Water is all you see as you approach Marco Polo Airport in Venice, the canal city of Italy. This is one of the airports rated as having the most beautiful scenery in the world on PrivateFly.com, especially when seated on the right side of the aircraft – a finding from the survey revealed.
2. Gibraltar International Airport
This is considered the airport with a runway intersecting with Winston Churchill Avenue – the road leading to the Spanish border mainland due to space constraints. However, landing at this airport gives you the opportunity to admire the solid limestone massif Rock of Gibraltar towering majestically over the stunning approach of the airport.
3. Sochi International Airport, Russia
Arriving at this airport, you'll have the chance to admire the city of Sochi, Russia, on the shores of the Black Sea, along with the Olympic Park unfolding right before you. Additionally, the scenic backdrop of majestic mountains surrounding the airport approach is equally impressive.
4. Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport offers breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay – a beautiful bay located in southeastern Brazil, surrounded by tropical forests, beaches, the high peaks of the Serra, and the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
5. Courchevel Airport, France
Courchevel is a renowned French ski resort nestled in the Alps and is the airport featured in the James Bond movie 007: Tomorrow Never Dies – where James Bond attempts a daring landing.
6. Squamish Airport, Canada
Landing at this airport is considered to be an incredibly exhilarating experience, no matter the season. Surrounded by a range of pine trees, mountains, and even rivers... it's quite picturesque.
7. Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba
Named after Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the former head of state of Aruba. The airport serves as the gateway to the island of Aruba in the southern Caribbean Sea. Situated on the western coast of the island, the runway approach offers you the opportunity to admire the stunning landscape of the island as you fly over the ocean.
8. Barra International Airport, Scotland
The only airport in the world with a runway that is a beach. However, the Barra runway is often submerged during high tide, so flight times depend greatly on the tide.
9. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
Touching down at this airport, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of the African sunrise amidst one of the most impressive mountain ranges on this continent.
10. Hong Kong International Airport
Located on a small island, Hong Kong International Airport will make you feel like you're about to land on water rather than a runway, and the scenery that unfolds is truly spectacular. The airport interior is very modern and convenient for passengers; you won't have to lug your luggage up and down stairs or escalators between the airplane and the high-speed train in Hong Kong.
11. London City Airport, United Kingdom
As the closest airport to central London, the approach to London City Airport passes by iconic landmarks such as the Big Ben clock tower, the London Eye Ferris wheel, and the 2012 Olympic Park.
12. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York
It's hard to imagine anywhere more spectacular than the towering skyscrapers as you approach Manhattan, New York.
13. Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, France
The airport provides stunning views from the northeast over the Alps, then onto Monaco, or the dramatic red rocks of the Estérel mountains standing stark against the mysterious blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
14. Paro International Airport, Bhutan
The entire country of Bhutan has only one international airport, Paro, known as a landing strip for the most seasoned pilots. Nestled amidst the Himalayan mountains at over 6,000 meters high, it poses a significant challenge for pilots, but in return, they get to behold the majestic scenery of one of the world's most beautiful mountain ranges, along with the serene beauty of Bhutan.
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Source: Travel Guide Mytour – From CNN
MytourFebruary 27, 2014
