These airports aren’t for the weak-hearted or the unqualified. They have dizzying altitudes, terrifying cliffs and the most dangerous of all.
Sint Maarten (Dutch Antilles): Tourists watching from the beach when the plane lands on Princess Juliana International Airport at St. Maarten.
Credit: Shutterstock and Captain Wang
Flying might be the safest way to travel – but some airports still manage to make your palms sweat. Modern planes with high-tech cockpits may have reduced the anxiety of flying but there are still some airports around the world that will make even the most experienced jet-setters sweat.
According to a TikTok post by One AirThe school has several locations throughout Spain. The world where landing isn’t just tricky – it’s practically an aerial assault course. The airports in question are dangerous. pilots need specialised training You can also read more about the benefits of using Approaching the runway Some cases only a few pilots are involved The world There are some who have even been certified to land on the island.
Lukla, Nepal – the cliffhanger runway
Lukla Airport is located in Nepal. Nestled in the Himalayas at a breathtaking 3,000 metres above sea level, this tiny mountain airport boasts a runway just 527 metres long – and it ends in a sheer cliff drop.
‘If you land too fast, you don’t have time to brake. In the viral video, the One Air pilot explains that if you takeoff too slowly, you will fall off the edge. No pressure then.
Paro, Bhutan – the pilot’s final exam
But the real jaw-dropper is Paro Airport in Bhutan – hands down the most difficult On the list, you will find dangerous items.
Surrounded by mountains that reach 5,500 meters, the airport lies in a narrow Himalayan Valley. It requires extreme manoeuvring and is at a terrifying altitude. It’s a complex system. You can only get it by clicking here Only 17 pilots worldwide are authorized to land in this area.
‘To get in, you You have to The pilot cautions: “Make some serious drastic manoeuvres.” For most aviators, Paro isn’t just a landing – it’s a rite of passage.
St. Maarten, Caribbean – Beachgoers beware
Princess Juliana International Airport is another infamous airport in St. Maarten. The danger here isn’t the altitude – it’s the beach. The low-altitude landings of this airport are famous, passing just a few meters above sunbathers in Maho Beach.
The thrill is for tourists but it’s a nightmare for pilots. You have to Balance crowd safety and precise touchdown timing.
Madeira, Portugal – The windy wonder
Next stop: Madeira Airport, Portugal Violent crosswinds Landings can feel more like sailing rather than flying. The runway, which juts over the ocean and is supported by concrete pillars adds to the drama of the landing when the winds start howling.
Courchevel, France – The ski slope runway
Finally, a winter surprise: Courchevel Airport. The steeply sloped, short runway looks more like an airstrip than a ski jump. Forget standard landing procedures – here, gravity does half the work. You’re going to be in trouble if you can’t land. A very expensive sled ride.
Keep a cool head when you are behind the controls
The pilot in this TikTok video is quick, despite the terrifying conditions to reassure nervous travelers:
“These airports seem incredibly dangerous, but remember – pilots are specifically trained for each one,” she says.
The professionals in front of you are prepared, calm, and cool.
Bottom line: These might be the world’s most fearsome runways – but fortunately, the skies are still in safe hands.
More information European News in English.