3 min learnNew DelhiJul 28, 2026 10:00 PM IST
Most airports are surrounded by highways, fields or cityscapes. However in some components of the world, runways sit on slim islands, reclaimed land or proper beside the ocean as a result of coastal areas typically have little flat land to construct on. The outcome? Plane that skim over turquoise waters, seashores the place planes turn into vacationer sights, and among the most breathtaking take-offs and landings you’ll ever see.
1. Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport, Sint Maarten
Maybe the world’s most well-known coastal airport, Princess Juliana Worldwide Airport is thought for its dramatic approaches over Maho Seashore. Plane fly extremely low over beachgoers earlier than touching down simply past the shoreline. Watching the landings has turn into one of many Caribbean island’s largest vacationer sights. Nevertheless, authorities warn guests to remain behind security boundaries, because the highly effective jet blast from departing plane could be harmful.
2. Barra Airport, Scotland
Barra Airport is without doubt one of the few business airports on this planet the place scheduled flights land instantly on a seaside. Situated in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, its three runways are product of hard-packed sand and disappear beneath the ocean throughout excessive tide. Because of this, flight schedules are deliberate across the tides, making each arrival and departure a really distinctive expertise.
3. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba
Situated on the tiny Caribbean island of Saba, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has one of many world’s shortest business runways. Constructed on a slim strip of land surrounded by steep cliffs and the ocean, it affords breathtaking views throughout take-off and touchdown. Solely specifically educated pilots are licensed to function flights right here.
4. Velana Worldwide Airport, Maldives
Located on Hulhulé Island, Velana Worldwide Airport seems to emerge from the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it affords passengers spectacular views of coral reefs, lagoons and neighbouring islands earlier than they proceed their journey by speedboat or seaplane.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Worldwide Airport, Portugal
Nestled between steep mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira’s airport had little room for enlargement. Engineers overcame this problem by extending a part of the runway over the ocean on a whole lot of bolstered concrete pillars, creating one in all modern aviation’s most remarkable engineering achievements whereas preserving gorgeous ocean views.
6. Corfu Worldwide Airport, Greece
Corfu Worldwide Airport sits beside the Ionian Sea, with plane making low approaches over the water earlier than touching down. The mix of glowing blue seas, close by seashores and dramatic landings has made it one in all Europe’s favorite spots for aviation lovers and travellers looking for a memorable window-seat view.
