Flying by private jet offers an unrivaled level of luxury and convenience, but this can be taken to another level when you visit somewhere new and exciting. Some airports worldwide are set against breathtaking backdrops, offering travelers a visually stunning start or end to their journey. Whether hidden between towering mountains or surrounded by boundless azure water, these airports provide more than just a landing strip. This article will examine ten scenic airports perfect for private jet vacations.
Planning Your Trip
We’ve included some incredible airports below, but reaching them is often easier said than done. These airports are only sometimes commercially reachable, so you’ll need to find a local or private flight provider to get you there safely.
If you’re looking for a company to get you there and back, look no further than Air Charter Service, one of the best-rated private jet companies. They have a wide range of aircraft and a near-limitless list of destinations, so we know you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Courchevel Altiport (LFLJ), France
Located right in the heart of the French Alps, the charming Courchevel Altiport is popular among those interested in skiing. The airport sits at an elevation of 6,588 feet and has one of the world’s shortest runways, making the approach almost as thrilling as the skiing itself. As your private jet descends on Courchevel Altiport, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and thick alpine forests.
Princess Juliana International Airport (TNCM), Saint Martin
Perhaps best known for the approach route passing over Maho Beach, Princess Juliana International Airport, located in Saint Martin, is famous worldwide for its iconic landing experience.
As planes approach the landing strip, they fly at a very low altitude over the beach, giving all the people below a very intimate view of the stunning scenery, enhanced by crystalline waters and breathtaking resorts dotted around Saint Martin, making it a must-see destination.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport (VNLK), Nepal
Tenzing-Hillary Airport lies deep in the Himalayan mountains, just a short distance from Mount Everest. With a challenging approach, an elevation of more than 9,000 feet, and a brief, sloping runway, this is not an airport many would use if they had a choice. However, it makes up for all these risks by being located in one of the most awe-inspiring places in the world, visited by thousands of mountaineers each year.
Saba Airport (TNCS), Caribbean Netherlands
Being located in the Caribbean Netherlands territory almost guarantees that visitors will be able to enjoy scenic views for the duration of their trip, but Saba Airport is something else entirely. Saba Airport has the shortest commercial runway in the world at just 1,312 feet, which ends very abruptly thanks to the imposing cliffs that tower above to the ocean below.
Queenstown Airport (NZQN), New Zealand
Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range and within walking distance of the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Airport is among the most picturesque in the world.
During your approach, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountains and valleys right on the airport’s doorstep, which you’ll be able to explore once you set foot on the ground – Queenstown isn’t known as the adventure capital of New Zealand for no reason.
Barra Airport (EGPR), Scotland
Barra Airport is commonly known as the only airport in the world where scheduled flights land on a beach — although you won’t find any jumbo jets on the sandy shores here! Located on the coastline of the Outer Hebridean islands in Scotland, the runway is a tidal beach, so don’t expect your flight to always land or take off at the scheduled time.
Paro Airport (VQPR), Bhutan
Many people in the West know little about Bhutan, likely owing to its more well-known neighbor, Nepal, being home to the largest Himalayan mountains. However, Paro Airport, set in the Paro Valley, is one of the most challenging airports for pilots, but it offers incredible views of the snow-capped peaks and traditional Bhutanese buildings below.
St. Moritz Samedan Airport (LSZS), Switzerland
Samedan Airport is located in the Engadin Valley and almost exclusively serves the luxury resort town of St. Moritz, a playground and retreat for Europe’s elite. The airport is surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps, considered among the most beautiful mountains in the world. Moreover, Samedan is also the highest airport in Europe, with an elevation of 5,600 feet.
Gibraltar International Airport (LXGB), Gibraltar
Gibraltar International Airport is unique due to its location and runway, which intersects with the main road leading into the city. As you can imagine, space is something other than something that Gibraltar has in abundance, so the airport’s designers were forced to get creative with their planning. As your jet descends, you’ll see the world-famous rock and the vibrant town below.
Malé Velana International Airport (VRMM), Maldives
As you’d expect for an airport in the Maldives, Malé Velana International Airport is among the most breathtaking worldwide. This airport is found on Hulhulé Island and is flanked by the cartoon-like turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. From your plane, you’ll see coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and overwater villas that stand on what appear to be stilts.
Traveling via Private Jets
Whether flying to the alpine gem of Courchevel or the incredibly remote beaches of Barra, these stunning airports will undoubtedly take your private jet experience to another level. The next time you plan a vacation abroad, we’d recommend choosing a destination that starts and ends with a breathtaking view.
