6 Of The Craziest Airport Runways In The World

According to reports by the majority of world pilots, taking off and landing is considered one of the most dangerous and horrifying aspect of any flight. Some conditions are far worse than others, of course, and even the most trained pilots won’t fly in certain areas or airports. Mountain peaks, cliff faces, over-crowded beaches, and even some bad traffic will ensure pilots cannot fly safely. Here are 6 of the craziest airport runways in the entire world!


6. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport

 

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, of Saba Island, is a 1300-foot-long runway that is only a tad longer than the majority of sea carrier runways. This airport is built atop a steep cliff, and one wrong move by the pilot leads to the entire plane landing in the ocean below.


5. Qamdo Bamda Airport

 

The Qamdo Bamda Airport in Tibet is the highest airport in the entire world. The runway was built at over 14,000 feet above sea level, and the entire runway is 3.5 miles long. That length may be excessive, but it is required due to the extreme altitude.


4. Ice Runway

 

The Ice Runway in Antarctica is incredibly dangerous due to the extreme weather conditions that can prevent a pilot from even landing. Unfortunately, the airstrip is required for supplies and researchers to reach McMurdo Station.


3. Barra International Airport

 

The Barra International Airport, of Scotland, is one of the only runways in the entire world that is also a beach. During the times when the airport is closed, people are able to swim and make their way along the beach for a romantic walk.


2. Toncontin International Airport

 

The Toncontin International Airport, of Honduras, is known in the record books for multiple accidents, including one collision in 2008 that caused five deaths. The airport’s runway is just a little over seven-thousand feet, and is surrounded by hazardous mountains.


1. Madeira Airport

 

The Madeira Airport, in Portugal, has experienced Boeing crashes where tens of passengers died. They have since lengthened the runway by using support pillars along the nearby beach. Pilots aim their craft at a mountain in order to land correctly.