The 10 best airport landings in the world

THE annual list of the ‘World’s Most Stunning Airport Approaches’ has been released and number one is just spectacular.

Queenstown Airport in New Zealand was voted the world’s number one.

SOMETIMES flying into a destination can be just as spectacular as when on the ground.

Every year PrivateFly.com asks travellers around the world to vote for their favourite airport landings before a panel of judges picks the best 10.

Of the 147 airports that received nominations this year, these were voted the Top 10 Most Stunning Airport Approaches for 2015.

1. Queenstown, New Zealand

Flying into Queenstown airport was considered the most spectacular in the world.

“A world class approach to a world class destination. The snatched panoramas as you descend into this hitherto barren-looking landscape makes you realise that pilots do get the best views,” said judge Bill Prince.

2. Las Vegas Mccarran Airport, USA

The bright lights of Vegas make it one of the most exciting airports to fly into.

“Arriving at night makes the Las Vegas strip look like some type of miniature recreation. It is always worth a window seat,” said judge Doug Gollan.

3. Nice Cote D’Azur Airport, France

Landing on the water’s edge in Nice.

“Nice, Cote d’Azur has to be one of the most spectacular places to arrive and depart with this breathtaking coastline as far as the eye can see,” said judge Tiffany Dowd.

4. Barra Airport, Scotland

Not your usual runway.

“Where else in the world can you fly over majestic mountains, stunning coastline and turquoise seas before descending over a historic harbour castle and landing on a large silver sand beach? Totally stunning and totally unique. Nothing comes close,” said judge Carol Cork.

5. St Maarten Princess Juliana International

Just scraping past beach goers. Picture: Ivan Wong Rodenas.

“I chose the landing strip at St. Maarten for its proximity to the beach, giving a beautiful view for passengers on landing planes, and a prime photo op for beachgoers, as incoming jets fly overhead,” said judge Chloe Pantazi.

6. Saba (Juancho e Irausquin)

Teetering on the edge of this Caribbean island. Picture: Richie Diesterheft.

“A simply unforgettable and thrilling landing on the world’s shortest runway, flanked by cliffs and ocean with a striking view of its active Volcano, Mount Scenery,” said judge David Scowsill.

7. Billy Bishop Toronto City, Canada

Sitting parallel to the city is Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport.

“A dramatically short island runway, surrounded by city and water. Just moments away from the centre of Toronto,” said judge Adam Twidell.

8. Gibraltar

Flying in next to the towering 450 metre “Rock” is no easy feat.

“Not for those with faint hears. Landing at ‘The Rock’ requires a lot of skill (and adverse weather conditions redirect flights to Malaga too often), but if you are lucky it is stunning. Also very interesting to see the geographic differences between nearby Spain and this British territory,” said judge Ana Silva O’Reilly.

9. London City Airport, UK

Surrounded by history on one side and modernity on the other.

“For its steep approach and its short runway in the heart of the city,” said judge Frédéric Beniada.

10. Cape Town, South Africa

Beautiful Cape Town provides spectacular views on approach.

“Spectacular views of Table Mountain as you approach. One of the most beautiful cities on earth,” said judge Adam Twidell.