Are you afraid of gut-wrenching turbulences while on a flight If yes, we have something even more dreadful for you, i.e. thrilling airport landings in the world. These airports are situated in some of the most spectacular and often isolated regions, making them even more inaccessible. So, fasten your seatbelts, for these five airport landings will scare the wits out of you.
Lukla, Nepal
Mountain ranges, strong winds, and a short runway&ndashare all present in Lukla. The gateway to Everest is built on a cliffside between mountains. It is often referred to as the riskiest airport in the world because its runway is only 1,729 feet long and terminates abruptly in a chasm. It is even inclined upward to assist in the slowing of the plane. Additionally, there is no room for go-arounds. So, if an aircraft is in the final descent, it must land.
Paro, Bhutan
Bhutan's only international airport, Paro, is 7,364 feet above sea level. Due to the challenging approach, few pilots are licensed to land there. Since there is no radar, planes must execute a manual procedure, only authorised under adequate visibility. Before turning onto the runway, they must also steer around hills and over residences.
Leh, India
Located 10,682 feet above sea level, the 23rd-highest airport in the world has an extremely short runway. It is enveloped by mountains and is often invaded by powerful winds in the afternoon. Therefore, flights are only allowed in the mornings. All pilots here receive specific training, and heavy aircrafts are not allowed.
McMurdo Station, Antarctica
The Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island is home to the Ice Runway, which features a runway made entirely of ice. The US Antarctic Program uses the Ice Runway, near McMurdo Station, throughout the summer. The lone major airport on the continent is located at this military post, and during the winter, the area is entirely black. Pilots are taught to land in the dark and a whiteout when there are no lights on the runway.
Saba Airport, Dutch Caribbean
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, notable for having one of the world's most small commercial airport runways, is situated on the island of Saba, which served as the setting for the original King Kong movie. Only experienced pilots can fly in the region because the runway is only 1,300 feet long. The approach is virtually at a cliff's edge, along Saba's rough terrain, and then there is an abrupt left turn before the landing.
