Ruth Haines
There are several airports around the world that are considered dangerous due to their short runways, tricky approaches, and unpredictable weather conditions. These airports are often located in mountainous regions or on small islands, presenting challenges for even the most experienced pilots. From Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Nepal, where the runway is perched at an altitude of 9,300 feet, to the now-closed Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, which required complex manoeuvres to navigate the surrounding skyscrapers, these airports offer a thrilling and sometimes hair-raising experience for passengers and pilots alike.
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What You'll Learn
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is often referred to as the most dangerous airport in the world. Located in Nepal, the airport sits 9,383 feet above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. Its runway is significantly shorter than the standard length of 7,000-10,000 feet, at just 1,729 feet long and 65 feet wide, with a 12-degree slope. The runway is situated on the edge of a cliff, with a steep 2,000-foot drop on one side and a stone or mountain wall on the other, leaving absolutely no room for error when landing. Take-off is considered the "easy" part at this airport, as there is no opportunity to abort or go around due to the terrain. The final approach and landing are considered the riskiest parts of any flight and account for more than half of all fatalities.
The airport was built in 1964 under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Hillary originally intended to build the airport on flat farmland, but due to local farmers' reluctance to give up their land, the airport was constructed in its current location. The land was purchased from local Sherpas, who also contributed to the construction of the facilities. The runway was paved in 2001, and in 2008, the airport was renamed to honour both Hillary and Norgay.
Due to the challenges of landing at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, only experienced pilots who have completed a significant number of short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) missions and have extensive knowledge of the area are permitted to land there. The airport has been the site of several crashes and incidents over the years, with some resulting in fatalities.
The small town of Lukla, which the airport serves, is a gateway to the Everest region and is a popular starting point for hikers and climbers. As many as 50 flights take off and land at the airport during peak trekking and climbing seasons, despite its reputation and the challenging conditions it presents.
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St. Helena Airport, St. Helena
The airport's construction was first considered in 1943 by the South African Air Force, but it was not until 2005 that the British government announced plans to build it. The project faced numerous delays, and its final cost was reported to be £285.5 million. The airport is located on cliffs, and strong winds from the ocean cause turbulence, making it a challenging airport for even the most experienced pilots. Only pilots with special training can land at St. Helena Airport.
The approach to St. Helena Airport is particularly difficult due to the surrounding terrain and weather conditions. The island is known for its windy conditions, and the airport's location on cliffs makes it even more susceptible to strong winds. These wind shears can make for a turbulent flight, with planes experiencing a roller-coaster-like ride.
The airport has a small runway, which further adds to the challenge of landing. The runway is located in close proximity to the ocean, and the mountainous terrain requires pilots to make tricky manoeuvres to align with the runway. The combination of a short runway and difficult approach makes St. Helena Airport a demanding landing even for skilled pilots.
St. Helena Airport is not only challenging for pilots but also provides a nerve-wracking experience for passengers. The turbulent conditions and dramatic approaches can make for a white-knuckle ride, with passengers gripping their armrests until landing. The remote location and limited accessibility have further contributed to the airport's reputation as one of the world's most dangerous.
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Barra International Airport, UK
While it can be challenging to determine the most dangerous airport in the world, Barra International Airport in the UK is often considered one of the most dangerous airports. Located in the Outer Hebrides, Barra Airport is known for its unique setting and operation. The airport uses the Traigh Mhor beach as its runway, making it the world's only beach airport with scheduled airline services. This beach runway is a two-mile stretch of white sand, providing a dramatic and romantic experience for passengers.
The airport is 116 nautical miles from Inverness, 140 nautical miles from Glasgow, and 75 nautical miles from the Scottish mainland. It is small yet well-equipped, with a modern terminal building, a control tower, and essential emergency services. An average of 8,500 passengers pass through the airport annually, with over 1,400 aircraft movements. The airport is managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), a public corporation that operates 11 airports across the Scottish islands and mainland.
What sets Barra Airport apart is its integration with the surrounding environment. The wide shallow bay of Traigh Mhor, known for its cockles, serves as the runway for aircraft. To ensure safe landings, three runways are designated on the beach, allowing pilots to almost always land into the wind. The ends of these runways are marked by posts that remain in the sand despite the twice-daily washing by the tide. The airport's fire crews are often called upon to assist stranded dolphins or seals on Traigh Mhor, a unique aspect of their operations.
The approach to Barra Airport can be challenging due to its location and terrain. Pilots must navigate over the Atlantic Ocean and deal with potential wind shears and turbulent conditions. The airport's remote setting and natural surroundings make it a spectacular yet potentially dangerous destination. The short runway at Barra, while adequate for small planes, adds to the sense of adventure and uniqueness of flying into or out of the airport.
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Princess Juliana Airport, St. Maarten
Princess Juliana International Airport, also known as SXM Airport, is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the country of Sint Maarten, the airport is known for its extremely low-altitude flyover landing approaches due to its proximity to the shore and Maho Beach. The short runway of 7,152 ft (2,180 m) requires planes to approach at a height of about 60 ft above the crowded beach area, often resulting in a sandblasting experience for sunbathers.
The airport is named after Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, who landed there as heir presumptive in 1944, a year after its opening. It is the primary aviation gateway to the island, serving as a hub for Winair and providing access to the smaller Leeward Islands, including Anguilla, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, and Sint Eustatius. The airport has experienced several incidents, including crashes and fatalities, with the most recent being in 2017 when a woman was knocked over by jet blast from a departing aircraft and succumbed to her injuries.
Despite the dangers, Princess Juliana Airport has won multiple awards, including Best Caribbean Airport in 2016 and the Bizz Award in 2017. The airport has undergone modernisation to accommodate growing traffic, with a new terminal capable of handling 2.5 million passengers annually and improved radar and air traffic control facilities. The airport is also known for its economic significance to St. Maarten, contributing to 60% of the island's GDP.
The airport's unique location and challenging approach have made it a notable destination for aviation enthusiasts and travellers seeking a thrilling landing experience. While it poses a complex task for pilots, the advancements in aircraft technology, air traffic control, and pilot training have contributed to safer air travel, even at airports like Princess Juliana International Airport.
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Toncontin International Airport, Honduras
Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is considered one of the world's most dangerous airports. Located 6km from the centre of the city, it is nestled in a mountainous region, with a single asphalt runway that is 7,096 ft long. The airport is known for its difficult approach, particularly in poor weather conditions, and has been the site of several crashes.
The airport's infamy as one of the world's most treacherous airports is due to its proximity to mountains, its short runway, and its historically challenging approach to runway 02. The History Channel programme 'Most Extreme Airports' ranks it as the second most extreme airport in the world. The approach to Toncontin is considered one of the most difficult in aviation, on par with the approach to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Nepal, which sits at 9,383 ft above sea level on the edge of a cliff.
Toncontin's single runway is surrounded by mountains, and pilots must make a 45-degree turn just minutes before landing. The airport's elevation is 3,294 ft, and it has been serving civil and military operations since 1934, making it one of the oldest continuously operational airports in Central America. The airport was also a target during the 1969 Football War, when it was bombed by the Salvadoran Air Force, preventing the Honduran Air Force from launching their aircraft.
Due to its reputation and safety concerns, efforts were made to replace Toncontin International Airport with the Soto Cano Air Base in Comayagua. In 2008, following the crash of TACA Flight 390, which killed five people, then-Honduran President Manuel Zelaya announced that all large aircraft operations would move to Soto Cano. International flights continued to operate from Toncontin until 2021, when Comayagua International Airport finally opened.
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