Dare to land: Explore the Riskiest Airports Across the Globe

1. Barra International Airport, Scotland

Imagine landing on a beach. Thats the reality at Barra International Airport, where flights touch down on the tidal sands of Traigh Mhòr beach in the Outer Hebrides. High winds, shifting tides, and unpredictable weather make every landing an adventure.

2. Paro International Airport, Bhutan:

Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Paro Airport is surrounded by peaks over 19,000 feet tall. Only a handful of specially trained pilots certified for the challenging approach are allowed to land here. The gusty winds and short runway, with a significant drop at one end, demand nerves of steel.

3. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba

Nicknamed the Shortest Runway in the Caribbean, this airport on the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba has a runway barely long enough for small propeller planes. Sheer cliffs at both ends and unpredictable wind gusts make every landing a white-knuckle experience.

4. Narsarsuaq Airport, Greenland

Surrounded by ice and fjords, Narsarsuaq Airport in southern Greenland presents a unique set of challenges. Limited visibility due to fog and strong crosswinds are just some of the factors that make landing here a test of pilot skill.

5. Lukla Airport, Nepal

Gateway to Mount Everest, Lukla Airport sits at an altitude of over 9,000 feet in the Himalayas. The short runway, surrounded by mountains and prone to sudden weather changes, has earned it a reputation as one of the worlds most dangerous airports.

6. Courchevel Altiport, France

Nestled in the French Alps, Courchevel is a favorite among skiers and thrill-seekers. Its incredibly short runway, steep downhill gradient, and surrounding mountains require expert maneuvering and nerves of steel.

7. Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten

This Caribbean airport is notorious for its beach landings, with planes flying just meters above sunbathers on Maho Beach. While exciting for onlookers, the strong winds and close proximity to obstacles make it a challenging approach for pilots.