See full version: World; s shortest runways at commercial airports
Serving the ski resort in the French Alps, Courchevel Airport has a 1,762ft-long runway and is mainly used by helicopters, as well as small fixed-wing aircraft. The runway is on a mountain at an elevation of 2,008m and has an 18.6% gradient with no lighting aids, making landing difficult.
The island is a popular tourist destination in winter, especially for celebrities. Small regional commercial and charter flights operate daily between other destinations in the Caribbean, including Antigua, Saint Martin, and Anguilla, with most carrying less than 20 passengers. more
The first flight to land at the airport was in 1959 when aviation pioneer Rémy de Haenen flew to the cleared site following its selection. Most of the island’s population watched the landing.
In 1973, a Lufthansa pilot is said to have briefly touched down on Heligoland Airport’s runway in an empty Boeing 737 aircraft, followed by an immediate take-off. He was reportedly fired after this incident. [links]
With the highest elevation for a commercial airport in the United States, Telluride Regional Airport is the most dangerous airport in the country. With only 1,000 feet of runway and steep cliffs on each end, it's a beautiful approach to the plateau, but pilots need to have some serious skill to stop the plane before it reaches the end of the runway, where cliff awaits. Note: Although Telluride is a popular ski destination, the airport is only serviced by commuter airlines from Denver.
Unlike other airports that have mountains and sea cliffs to steer around, planes landing at Congonhas Airport must descend carefully over the tall buildings that make up Sao Paulo's urban sprawl. In addition to having a short runway, the airport consistently struggles with slippery conditions and has seen many deadly accidents since it opened in 1936. After the deadliest crash in 2007, which resulted in the death of all passengers and crew on board as well as 12 people on the ground, the airport reduced its number of flights and enforced size and weight restrictions for incoming aircrafts. more
The runways (which are marked by wooden poles) at Scotland's Barra Airport are located on the beach itself—so pilots can only land when the tide is out. The airport's schedule completely depends on the ebbing water levels of Traigh Mhor Bay. When the high tide rolls in, all three runways are completely submerged in water. Located on a remote island in the Scottish Highlands, the airport serves one flight route from Glasgow, which arrives and departs twice per day.
Although the short runway at Madeira Airport has since been extended, the new addition sits on a platform constructed over the ocean and held up by 180 columns. The waterside location also means high winds and bumpy landings. In order to be authorized to land at this airport, pilots must first pass advanced training on a flight simulator. [links]
As Bhutan's only international airport, visitors have no choice but to land at Paro Airport. Surrounded by the towering Himalayas, the approach to the airport is considered so challenging that there are only eight pilots in the world who are qualified to make it. It's not just the high peaks that make this landing so tricky. The valley's high winds also pose a challenge to the pilots, who have to carefully guide the plane through the mountain pass and over the tops of the houses that sit near the runway. [links]
If this airport's icy alpine location wasn't scary enough, the short runway on a large incline will seal the deal. Landing at Courchevel Altiport is considered extra dangerous, because with so many surrounding mountains, there is no room for a go-around approach. That means that if the pilot is going to land, they have to be ready to do so on the first try. That also means if there is low visibility, because of clouds or fog, landings become nearly impossible. Even in good visibility, things can go wrong. In 2019, a plane missed the touch-down zone and crashed into a snowbank, injuring three passengers. more
Gustav II airport in Saint-Barthélemy, one of French Antilles archipelago islands, can only accommodate planes with less than 30 people. This is because the runway only measures 640 metres, ending before a beautiful lagoon. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear that planes have plunged into the water on occasion as the margin for error is very limited. The same is true in Saint-Martin. The runway at Princess Juliana airport is right next to the sea meaning that highly skilled pilots need to fly over the beach with only a 10 metre margin!
Some airports can brag about have extraordinary runways that offer passengers a spectacular landing or take off. However skilled pilots are needed to handle the difficult maneuvers at these crazy airports!
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Courchevel’s altiport has one of the shortest runways in the world. (only 525 meters!). more
Aer Lingus Flight 101 was flying from Heathrow to Dublin one night, with Paddy the Pilot, and Shamus the co-pilot. As they approached Dublin airport, they looked out the front window. "B'jeesus" said Paddy "Will ye look at how fookin short dat runway is". "You're not fookin kiddin, Paddy" replied Shamus.
I think its the old closed down airport in Harbour Island, Bahamas. I forgot the name of it. Can someone please refresh my memory. I know they shut down the airport because the runway was too short. here
It's very very short, although I don't have an exact length. Although it's closed, it is still used for helicopters and select airplanes.