Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, United States of America, Brazil, United Kingdom, Austria, Bhutan, Caribbean Netherlands- The World’s Most Beautiful Airport Landings: A Global Tour of Scenic Approaches Across Nine Stunning Countries

Published on April 24, 2025

Travelers often describe the sensation of approaching a new destination as magical, with the anticipation of landing heightening the experience. The excitement of watching a familiar landscape slowly reveal itself from the airplane window is unique. As the plane begins its descent, passengers are treated to a natural performance—a panoramic view of majestic mountains, serene waters, and bustling cities. This feeling has long been a point of fascination for those traveling by air. For the first time, the eye-catching beauty of these descents has been analyzed scientifically. A recent study conducted by AllClear, a global travel insurance company, has used eye-tracking technology to determine which airport landings captivate passengers the most.

The study has provided new insights into what travelers value when it comes to the visual appeal of an airport’s approach. Through precise measurements of how quickly passengers’ attention is drawn to the landscape and how long they maintain that gaze, the research has compiled a list of the world’s most beautiful airport landings. This analysis is poised to have a significant impact on the tourism and travel industries, especially as travelers become more conscious of the aesthetic value of their flight experiences.

How the Study Was Conducted

AllClear’s research aimed to move beyond subjective preferences and assess landings based on tangible metrics. The team employed eye-tracking technology to measure two key metrics:

• The speed at which passengers’ eyes were drawn to the scenery.
• The duration for which the landscape held their attention.

This data-driven approach allowed them to rank airports based on visual appeal, revealing which landing approaches are the most captivating to travelers. The rankings not only show which airports boast the most beautiful descents but also how these approaches might influence tourists’ decisions when selecting their next travel destination.

The Global Impact of Stunning Airport Landings

The results of this study are not merely a list of pretty places to fly into; they have the potential to reshape the way people view airports and influence the broader travel industry. For airlines, airports, and tourism boards, these findings are an opportunity to highlight the visual spectacle that comes with their destinations. These remarkable landings offer travelers much more than just an entry point into a city or country—they become a part of the travel experience itself. This type of research could lead to new trends in tourism, where travelers may choose destinations based on the beauty of their airport approaches.

For the aviation industry, the rankings of these airport landings could also prompt airlines to offer specific flight routes that maximize the experience of these iconic landings. Airlines could tailor flights to ensure passengers are seated in the most advantageous spots to capture the best views. Additionally, the beauty of a landing could be a powerful marketing tool for airports and destinations looking to attract more visitors.

Lord Howe Island Airport, Australia

Topping the list of most beautiful landings is Lord Howe Island Airport (LDH) in Australia, with a stunning score of 85. This remote, UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking descent into its narrow runway, which is nestled between lush green mountains and azure waters. The approach provides spectacular views of coral reefs, volcanic peaks, and dense forests. This airport is not only known for its beauty but also for its unique biodiversity, as passengers may catch glimpses of rare bird species and marine life during the descent. For travelers seeking a natural escape, this airport’s striking approach serves as an introduction to the island’s pristine landscapes.

Queenstown Airport, New Zealand

Queenstown Airport (ZQN) in New Zealand ranks second with a score of 79. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown’s landing is as thrilling as the activities the town offers. As planes descend between the Southern Alps, passengers are treated to dramatic snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu. The seasonal shifts in color make this landing even more mesmerizing, as autumn brings vibrant hues of gold and crimson to the surrounding hills. For those with a love of nature and adventure, Queenstown offers an unforgettable landing experience.

Madeira Airport, Portugal

In third place, Madeira Airport (FNC) presents a stunning combination of engineering and natural beauty, earning a score of 77. The airport’s runway is partially built on stilts over the Atlantic Ocean, making it appear as though the plane is landing on water. Pilots navigate through steep cliffs and volcanic landscapes, creating a breathtaking visual experience. The airport’s construction is recognized as one of the world’s most challenging, adding an element of thrill to the scenic approach. For those flying into Madeira, the descent is a unique blend of modern ingenuity and natural splendor.

Pitkin County Airport, United States

Pitkin County Airport (ASE), serving Aspen, Colorado, also shares third place with Madeira Airport, scoring 77 points. Known for its glamorous ski resort, Aspen provides a dramatic setting for the airport approach. Planes thread through towering mountains, with peaks rising over 14,000 feet. The approach is so exclusive that only specially certified pilots are permitted to land here. Whether covered in pristine snow or blanketed in wildflowers during summer, this landing offers an unparalleled alpine spectacle.

Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro’s downtown Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) ranks fifth with a score of 76. This airport offers an exciting landing with views of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the vibrant Guanabara Bay. The runway appears to extend directly into the water, adding to the drama of the descent. Daytime landings offer breathtaking views of the city’s dramatic landscape, while night approaches reveal Rio’s sparkling lights against a tropical sky. Rio’s cultural vibrancy is mirrored in its awe-inspiring airport landing.

London City Airport, United Kingdom

Tied for fifth place with Rio is London City Airport (LCY), which offers a unique and thrilling urban approach. With a score of 76, this airport presents a steep descent over the financial district, offering a rare bird’s-eye view of landmarks like The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the winding Thames River. The proximity to Canary Wharf makes it feel like the plane is gliding between towering skyscrapers. The steep approach and cityscape below create a thrilling visual experience that combines the beauty of architecture and the urban landscape.

Innsbruck Airport, Austria

Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria follows closely, scoring 74. Surrounded by the Austrian Alps, this airport offers a classic Alpine descent. Planes navigate through narrow valleys before aligning with the runway. Winter approaches reveal snow-covered peaks, while summer showcases lush mountainsides and clear rivers. The dramatic lighting conditions created by the surrounding mountains further enhance the visual appeal of this landing.

Paro Airport, Bhutan

Paro Airport (PBH) in Bhutan, with a score of 72, presents one of the world’s most challenging descents. Pilots must navigate between towering peaks and execute a sharp descent to the valley floor. The remote location and mountainous terrain make this landing one of the most exclusive aerial experiences in the world. Bhutanese architecture along the hillside adds a cultural element to the view, making it not only a physical but also a cultural journey.

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean Netherlands

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) in the Caribbean Netherlands ranks ninth, scoring 69. Known for having one of the shortest commercial runways, the landing here is both beautiful and exhilarating. The runway, perched on a cliff, offers dramatic views of volcanic terrain descending into the turquoise waters below. The approach to this tiny airport is one of the most thrilling in the world, with passengers treated to a scenic backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, United States

Rounding out the top ten is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii, scoring 68. The approach offers stunning views of Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head crater, and the lush Ko’olau mountain range. Flights often approach from the ocean, adding a dramatic contrast between the deep blue waters and the vibrant green landscape. During the winter months, travelers may even spot migrating humpback whales from the plane, adding a special wildlife experience to the scenic descent.

Conclusion: The Future of Air Travel

These top-ranked airports highlight a new trend in travel—one where the visual experience of landing plays a crucial role in the journey. The rankings not only offer new travel experiences for passengers but also provide an opportunity for tourism and the aviation industry to market their destinations in unique ways. As the world’s most beautiful landings become a focal point of interest, travelers may choose flights based not only on the destination but also on the descent that awaits them. The rise of these stunning landings will likely influence how travelers approach flight planning, providing them with yet another reason to explore new corners of the world.