Most of us enjoy traveling by planes, and takeoffs and landings are usually fun experiences. However, if you've been to one of these airports, you'll beg to differ. From extremely short landing strips, mountain peaks, crowded beaches and main roads, here's a list of the top 7 riskiest airports in the world:
1. Princess Juliana International Airport, Saint Martin
One of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, pilots have to fly over a small part of the beach, cross over the fence and then the road, and finally land at the Princess Juliana International Airport. The landing strip is just over 7,000 feet while large aircrafts usually require at least 8,000 feet to ensure a safe landing, which makes this one of the riskiest airports in the world.
1. Princess Juliana International Airport, Saint Martin
2. Ice Runway, Antartica
The scariest thing about the Ice Runway in Antartica is that there is no runway! Planes land on a long stretch of manicured snow and ice. In addition, the weight of each plane is checked to avoid cracking the ice landing strip or the plane getting stuck in the snow. Cold, hard landing. Literally!
2. Ice Runway, Antartica
3. Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep, India
The only airport in Lakshadweep to serve the 36 local Indian tourist islands, Agatti Aerodrome is just a strip of land protruding out of the heavenly blue waters. With just 4,000 feet long, it has constantly been up for potential extension to accommodate larger aircrafts; however, the plan was later scrapped, as it would have infringed upon a turtle nesting territory.
3. Agatti Aerodrome, Lakshadweep, India
4. Courchevel International Airport, France
Serving those who want to ski the Alps, this airport is known to have the shortest runway at 525 meters. In addition to pilots navigating the popular mountains, planes must land at inclined angles to slow down. Surprisingly, it played a role in a James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, which depicted Mr. Bond landing a plane successfully here.
4. Courchevel International Airport, France
5. Gibraltar International Airport, Gibraltar
As unbelievable as it may sound, the runway of Gibraltar International Airport passes through the main road leading to the Spanish border, so vehicles are made to stop every time an aircraft lands or takes off. The airport terminal also features the scenic Rock of Gibraltar.
5. Gibraltar International Airport, Gibraltar
6. Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal
Originally named Lukla Airport, it was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in honor of the first ascent of the Mount Everest. Usually beset with high winds and cloud cover, visibility is bleak making it difficult for planes to land or takeoff. But the scariest part is the end of the runway, which is a 2,000 feet sheer drop.
6. Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal
7. Toncontin International Airport, Honduras
Subject to several accidents, this airport is just over 7,000 feet long and is surrounded by mountains. However, the most hazardous aspect is that there is only a single way for planes to move in and out, which increases the risk dramatically. Despite this, large planes land here daily.
7. Toncontin International Airport, Honduras
While utmost care is taken to facilitate safety and security at these airports, it is wise to opt for travel insurance if you are flying to these destinations.