Landing and takeoff are the two most challenging parts of any flight. Aircraft behave very differently on the runway compared to when they’re cruising thousands of feet above the ground. For some airports, though, that’s just the beginning of the challenge. Their extreme locations, high altitudes, short runways, or unpredictable weather make them some of the toughest places in the world to operate.
In this article, we’ll look at the top ten most dangerous airports in the world, where every landing is a test of precision and nerves of steel.
1. Paro International Airport (Bhutan)
Paro International is often ranked as the most dangerous airport in the world. It also happens to be Bhutan’s only international gateway.
The airport sits 7,364 feet above sea level, surrounded by mountains soaring as high as 18,000 feet. Pilots must weave through narrow valleys and twist around rugged peaks to reach the runway, which doesn’t come into view until moments before touchdown.
Because of this, only about 30 pilots worldwide are certified to land here, and flights are restricted to daylight hours. Despite the difficulty, Paro’s safety record is spotless; the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) has reported no major accidents to date.
2. Barra Airport (Scotland)
Barra Airport is one of a kind. Located on a beach on Scotland’s remote Barra Island, its three runways are literally on the sand. At high tide, they disappear completely underwater.
That means flight schedules depend on the tide, and when the water comes in, operations stop. The airport also lacks refueling facilities, so planes must carry enough fuel for their return trips. To save weight and fuel, passenger capacity is often limited.
Even with these quirks, Barra Airport has maintained a strong safety record, thanks to strict operational procedures and careful coordination between pilots and weather forecasters.
3. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (Saba, Caribbean)
Perched on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport has the shortest commercial runway in the world just 1,300 feet long. On both ends, cliffs drop straight into the sea, leaving zero room for error.
Because of these conditions, only specially certified pilots can operate here, and no aircraft carrying more than 20 passengers is allowed. These strict limits have paid off: according to ASN, the airport has never recorded an accident.
4. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (India)
Situated in Leh, India, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee is among the world’s highest airports, standing 10,682 feet above sea level in the Himalayas. The thin mountain air means less lift for aircraft and requires longer takeoffs and higher approach speeds.
In the afternoons, strong winds and turbulence are common, so flights are only permitted in the mornings. Pilots must also follow the valley path closely to avoid the surrounding peaks and must hold certification in high-altitude flying. Despite the risks, the airport hasn’t recorded a major accident since 1979.
5. Tenzing-Hillary Airport (Nepal)
Built in 1964 under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary, this airport serves as the main gateway to Mount Everest. At 9,383 feet above sea level, Lukla Airport (as it’s also known) combines thin air, unpredictable weather, and a runway only 1,729 feet long.
To help slow planes down, the runway was built with a 12-degree upward slope but it ends abruptly at a mountain wall. Only small propeller planes and helicopters are allowed to operate here. Unfortunately, even with precautions, several fatal accidents have occurred over the years.
6. Kansai International Airport (Japan)
Opened in 1994, Kansai International was Japan’s first 24-hour airport and a technological marvel built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay. But the island has been slowly sinking, dropping more than 40 feet since construction began.
That has forced engineers into a near-constant battle to stabilize the structure and prevent flooding, especially during typhoons and earthquakes, which are common in the region. On top of that, rapid wind shifts can complicate approaches and departures, adding to the challenge for pilots.
7. Princess Juliana International Airport (St. Martin, Caribbean)
This world-famous airport borders Maho Beach, where tourists gather to watch planes roar overhead just a few feet above the sand. The low-altitude approaches make for spectacular photos but also serious risks.
Strong jet blasts from departing aircraft have injured beachgoers, and in 2017, a tourist tragically lost her life after being blown over by a departing plane’s engine thrust. Despite the risks, Princess Juliana remains a major Caribbean hub, serving thousands of flights safely each year.
Bonus: Other Notoriously Dangerous Airports
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Helena Airport (St. Helena) – Built on the remote island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years. Strong winds and steep terrain make landings unpredictable.
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Toncontin International Airport (Honduras) – Made global headlines in 2008 after an Airbus A320 crash killed several people. Extensive safety upgrades have since improved conditions.
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Courchevel Altiport (France) – Serving a luxury ski resort, this short, sloped runway demands specialized certification. Only experienced mountain pilots are allowed to fly here.
Final Thoughts
While these airports test even the most seasoned aviators, they’re also proof of human ingenuity; adapting technology, training, and precision to overcome some of the planet’s toughest geography. For travelers, these airports offer more than a destination; they’re an adventure before the adventure.