We look into many things when planning a trip, the flights, the stay, etc. Even the nitty-gritty bits like what’s available at the airport. But we have never look into the significance of the airport. With this list of the most dangerous airports in the world, the idea of an adventure begins at the airport itself. From iced runways to table-top landing at one of these most dangerous airports will have you saying more prayers than when on a roller coaster!
Here is the list of 10 most dangerous airports in the world
1. Lukla Airport (LUA), Nepal
Located in Khumbu, Solukhumbu District, the Lukla Airport in Nepal was renamed to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in January 2008, in honour of the first two people to conquer Mount Everest. People visiting Mount Everest frequently use this Nepalese airport. The airport has been rated as the most dangerous airport in the world for over 20 years in a row. The airport is at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). The landing and take-off strips are very short, and the airport has very less electricity with virtually no modern air traffic control features. The landing is difficult, as the pilot has to navigate through the hilly region in harsh winds of decreasing visibility. Said to be the highest airport due to its location near the Mount Everest base camp, Lukla airport definitely ranks second!
2. Courchevel Airport (CVF), France
This airport in France is known for one of the shortest runways in the world with just 537 meters. The airport is for people who want to ski in the Alps and hence is located amidst mountains. In addition to navigating these mountains, pilots also need to land the plane at sharp angles for the aircraft to slow down.
3. Toncontin International Airport (TGU), Honduras
Toncontín International Airport (also known as Teniente Coronel Hernán Acosta Mejía Airport) is located 6 km from the centre of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The Airport is a civil and a military airport. This dangerous airport was added to History Channel’s list of most dangerous airports in the show “Most Extreme Airports”.
Since the airport is situated in a mountainous region, the pilot has to make certain arrangements to avoid hitting the mountains. The runway is also extremely short and causes the plane to stop abruptly.
4. Barra International Airport (BRR), Scotland
Also known as Barra Eollgary Airport, the Barra International Airport is situated in Scotland at the northernmost tip of the Barra island at the bay of Traigh Mhòr. With a short runway, this uniquely dangerous airport also uses the beach as its runway and is undoubtedly the only airport in the world to do so.
5. Agatti Aerodrome (AGX), Lakshadweep, India
Located in the union territory of Lakshadweep, on the southern end of the Agatti Island, is the Agatti Airport It is the sole airport in Lakshadweep serving 36 local Indian tourist islands of which, Agatti Aerodrome is a strip of land present in the blue waters. The strip is just 4,000 feet long, making it a risky area.
6. Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong
Kai Tak was the international airport of Hong Kong until 1998 after which it was closed and replaced by the Hong Kong International Airport.
It is one of the scariest airports with perilous landings and take-offs due to the crisscross winds blowing constantly. The fact that the airport is surrounded by a hilly region makes it even scarier and also a deserving spot in the list of most dangerous airports in the world!
7. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), Saint Martin
The Princess Juliana International Airport is the main airport on the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin. This airport is one of the busiest airports as well. Before landing, the planes fly over a beach and some roads, barely out of reach from the ground. A regular to a large-sized plane requires a minimum of 8000 feet of a landing strip where are this airport has only 7000, making it one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
8. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Thailand
Don Mueang International Airport is one of two international airports serving Bangkok. Previously known as the Bangkok International Airport, this airport is situated between two golf courses, making it yet another dangerous airport.
9. Congonhas Airport (CGH), Brazil
Serving the city of Sao Paulo is the Congonhas Airport (sometimes referred to as Sao Paulo Airport) in Brazil, this airport is the second busiest airport in Brazil. What makes the airport dangerous is the slippery runway that has caused several accidents. However, new runways with grooves to collect excess rainwater are being built.
10. Wellington International Airport (WLG), New Zealand
Wellington International Airport, located in the suburb of Rongotai in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand was formerly known as Rongotai Airport. Situated 5.5 km south-east of the city centre, the runway of Wellington International Airport is only 6,351 feet, and its pathway seems to start and end in the water bodies. The pilot needs to be precise in knowing at the landing and take-off point to avoid the surrounding water bodies.
