Last Updated on May 7, 2025
You might not think the view matters when you’re approaching your final destination by plane, but apparently, many travelers believe that it does. I must say that glancing out the window as I’m close to landing and seeing amazing views does causes my heart to skip a beat, preparing me for what I hope will be an incredible vacation experience ahead. It’s almost a sampling of what’s to come.
As most of us tend to do, however, at landing, I’m focused on gathering belongings, making sure I haven’t left anything in the airline’s seatback pocket, and activating my cell phone. In these 15 most beautiful airport landings in the world, you might want to pay closer attention to the captivating views.
Research conducted by travel insurance specialists AllClear measured how quickly and how long travelers’ eyes were drawn to some of the world’s most scenic runway approaches to come up with the list.
Topping the global ranking? A remote island airport in Australia with turquoise waters and jungle-clad mountains.
According to eye-tracking research, Australia’s Lord How Island Airport has the most beautiful landing in the world offering domestic flights from Australia.
Queenstown Airport in New Zealand offers one of the world’s most dramatic descents meaning pilots must undergo specific training to take-off and land from here. Passengers are rewarded with dramatic mountain scenery and the glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu.
There’s a challenging descent into Funchal Airport in Madrid where the landing is made difficult due to high winds, a tricky right-hand turn, and high mountains and ocean surrounding the infamously short runway, though would passengers really notice given the incredible scenery?
Other Top Airport Landings
Madeira Airport, Portugal: challenging approach framed with the island’s breathtaking cliffs, Levada trails, mesmerizing green mountains and azure blue Atlantic Ocean waters.
Pitkin County Airport, Aspen Colorado: tied with Madiera Airport, Madrid, provides jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Rockies.
Rio de Janeiro- Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil: surrounded by Guanabara Bay’s tranquil, sparkling blue waters.
London City Airport, UK: cityscape descent includes landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria:offering outstanding views of the Austrian Alps along with its valleys and picturesque village. With gorgeous sunsets in the summer and thick white snow creating a magical feel in winter, this runway is awesome.
Paro Airport, Bhutan: offering unmatched Himalayan scenery.
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands: known for having the shortest runway in the world, the landing can be hair-raising but the rugged cliffs, verdant hills and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea make you forget the short landing.
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii: with views of the Pacific Ocean as far as the eye can see and stunning beaches even before touchdown.
Lukla Airport, Lukla, Nepal: famously known as the gateway to Everest, this short runway offers unparalleled views of the world’s tallest mountains.
Seychelles International Airport, Mahé, Seychelles: another destination offering a glimpse of its magnificent beaches from the air.
Telluride Regional Airport, Telluride, Colorado: situated at 9,070 feet atop a mesa in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the vistas are stunning.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Nice, France: a striking descent flying over the gorgeous Côte d’Azur, well known for its vivid blue water.
Wellington International Airport, Wellington, New Zealand: offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and awe-inspiring Cook Strait.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Toronto, Canada: with a scenic view of Toronto’s skyline and vibrant harbor.
