Flying has been the safest means of transport and it is the obvious choice when flying long distances. But, there are some airports where flying become a challenge. Special training is required to fly in the world’s most dangerous airports. Approaches are so difficult, that only a few pilots are certified for them.
In some of those airports, approaches are dangerous, once a decision is made, there is no turning back. In this article, we have covered of some of the most dangerous flight approaches in the world.
1. Lukla Airport, Nepal
Lukla Tenzing Hillary airport is one of the most dangerous airports in the world and its approach is even extremely difficult. The length of the runway is just 527metres, which means only small STOL aircraft can land here. The airport itself is surrounded by mountains on three sides and cliffs on another side. Due to extreme topography pilots have to be very cautious during landings since go-arounds are extremely difficult.
Once a decision is taken, there is no second chance. Immediately upon touchdown, the aircraft has to stop because there is concrete ahead. Highly experienced and trained pilots are only allowed to land here. The airport is situated at an elevation of 2846 metres and the takeoffs are also extreme as aircraft take off metres ahead of the cliff.
In addition, Lukla has a poor safety record. There have been multiple crashes over the years resulting in many deaths. Since the runway is so short, a 12-degree incline is made on the runway which further helps the crew to slow down the aircraft.
Despite all of this, Lukla is one of the busiest airports in Nepal with many morning flights. People on their way to famous peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu etc. have to begin their journey from Lukla. This airport is served mostly by Twin otters and other STOL aircraft. Efforts have been made to increase the safety of this airport.
2. Paro Airport, Bhutan
Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Being the only international airport, this is the gateway to Bhutan. Its extreme location makes it one of the most dangerous approaches in the world. Only two dozen pilots are certified to manually land here during the daytime.
Moreover, the runway, which is located between two tall hills is just 2265 metres long and isn’t visible until the final descent during most of the approaches. The pilots have to make a steep right turn next to the hill just before landing. Only then, the runway is visible. Besides, the valley is also very windy.
Only two airlines (Druk Air and Royal Bhutan Airlines) operate from this airport. Unlike Lukla, there is the chance for a go-around. The airport is large enough to support narrowbodies. The two airlines operate A319s, A320s and ATR42s from Paro Airport. The airport is mostly busy during the morning time.
3. Courchevel Airport, France
With a runway of just 537 metres, Courchevel airport is one of the most dangerous airports in Europe. Located at an altitude of 2008 metres, the airport is snowy most of the time. Being surrounded by tall peaks, the airport has no ground instruments, making the approach even more difficult. Just like Lukla, there is a cliff right before the runway. Approaches to this airport are really steep and the pilots must incline at 18 degrees to help the aircraft slow down.
Highly trained pilots can only fly at this airport. Small STOL Aircraft and helicopters operate out of this airport. Although very few passengers used this airport in the past, the number has increased over the years with around 6000 passengers using the airport in recent years. Most recently, Alpine Airlines has been offering commercial flights to this airport. Landing gets tougher in winter since there is no ground support and the runway is slippery.
4. Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Martin
Named after Queen Juliana, this airport has one of the most thrilling approaches, even for people on the ground. Despite the runway length of 2300 metres, which is just enough for larger jets to land, 747s and other large jets fly regularly here. Since the airport is right next to the sea, extreme winds in the daytime make the landings quite difficult.
The aircraft flies right over a crowded beach in the final stages of the approach. The beach has actually gained popularity due to low-flying planes as well. During the final stages of the approach, the aircraft comes really close to the ground, whereas, during the takeoff, the thrust of the aircraft can blow the people away.
Several people have been injured because of the same reason. A lady, who was clinging onto the airport bar was blown away by an aircraft and was later declared dead in the hospital. Extreme winds and low approaches make it one of the challenging approaches.
5. Juancho E Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean
This airport is surrounded by cliffs on three sides and a hill on another side. The runway is just 400 metres, which is similar to that of an aircraft carrier. The airport is so small that only small STOL aircraft can land here. The major challenge at this airport is landing and stopping the plane within a very short distance.
Being close to sea also means the small aircraft face crosswinds during the approach. Winair is the only airline that flies to this airport.
Source: Wikimedia
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