World’s 10 Most Scenic Airport Landings for 2019
(Photo above courtesy of Donegal Airport)
The world’s most scenic airports for 2019 have recently been revealed by a poll conducted by private jet booking platform, PrivateFly. A panel of travel experts and aviation fans participated in the annual poll, which featured 129 different airports around the world and received over 7000 votes.
And the number one position for this year, and for the second year in a row, goes to Donegal on the Northwest coast of Ireland which has been declared the most beautiful scenic airport for landings and take-offs in the 2019 poll.
Talking about the survey Adam Twdell, CEO of PrivateFly said: "Too often travelers hurry through the journey to get to their destination; this poll encourages those to stop, take a look through their aircraft window and be awestruck by the joy of flying”.
Donegal Airport, Ireland
The beautiful rugged coastline seen on the approach at Donegal’s regional airport in Carrickfinn is surrounded by both mountains and beaches and is the reason it is in number one position.
Of Donegal’s picturesque backdrop, one voter said, “The view is spectacular. Mountains on one side and a beautiful rugged coastline dotted with islands and golden sandy beaches running adjacent to the runway.”
Another voter said it was the “most beautiful scenery I ever saw, with the beach on one side with crystal clear water, and Mount Errigal standing tall on the other side.”
"There is nowhere as lovely as the wild rugged beauty of unspoiled Donegal."
Barra Airport, Scotland
Scotland's Barra Airport approach, which offers stunning coastal views, came in in second place.
Describing the approach to Barra, one voter said: "The quirky nature, the magnificent views coming in and going out and onto a sandy beach. It is a joyous experience from start to finish. Just wonderful."
While another waxed lyrical: "I just love the remoteness of the Isle of Barra and its rugged terrain. Landing on a cockle shell beach is quite the experience too. Make sure the tide is out!"
And another enthused: "The approach to Barra airport is awesome – superb views over to Skye and the small isles then seeing the causeway between Eriskay and South Uist coming in over the sand dunes to land on the beach at Barra is a totally unique experience – nothing beats it...every time!"
Nice Cote d’Azur, France
Nice Airport on the French Riviera in the south of France is surrounded by dramatic Mediterranean views and has been named in third place.
Voters said: “Spectacular approach with the Mediterranean sunlight glistening off the azure water of the sea, the evergreen trees and red rocks of the Esterel, pastel Provencal building, and all with the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Southern Alps. ”
“The approach over the sea offers a view of the entire Cote d’Azur, including Cannes, Nice, the famous Baie des Anges and the Alpes Maritimes.”
“Mountains, sea, city and the Promenade des Anglais…this airport has it all!”
Top 10 Scenic Airports 2019, according to PrivateFly
Here is the full list of the top 10 airports....
1. Donegal Airport, Ireland
2. Barra Airport, Scotland
3. Nice Cote d'Azur, France
4. Orlando Melbourne International Airport, Florida
5. Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten
6. Juancho E.YrausquinAirport, Saba, Dutch Caribbean
7. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand
8. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada
9. London City Airport, United Kingdom
10. AostaValley Airport, Italy
Don’t forget whichever airport you are flying out to make your sure you consider booking your airport parking with I Love meet and greet and if you would like to see some of the most extreme airport landings visit our post here.
By Sarah Anglim at 9 Apr 2019