[Mary]

Some of the most-visited and beautiful places in the world just so happen to have the most dangerous airports. From mountain ranges and oceans to less than half a mile runways, pilots around the world have to go to great lengths to avoid the natural and unnatural obstructions surrounding these busy airports.

Toncontin International Airport



Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. The nearby mountains and short runway have made landings and takeoffs technically challenging. The elevated, asphalt runway used to be only 1,863 meters long and was difficult to see because of a hillside that stood before the threshold. In 2007, the hillside was partially removed and the runway was extended two years later. Despite some of the structural improvements, Toncontin has continued to experience deadly crashes, such as the one on Feb. 14, 2011, where a 14-passenger plane crashed on approach about 20 km from the airport.

Gustaf III Airport



The Gustaf III Airport in St. Jean is located on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthelemy, and has a reputation of being a very dangerous airport. The airport’s short, sloping runway ends directly on the beach and is difficult to maneuver to because of a dangerously low descent over sunbathers and a steep hilltop. There have been several close-calls at the Gustaf III Airport and some serious accidents along the notorious runway.

Princess Juliana International Airport



The famous Princess Juliana International Airport, also known as Saint Maarten International Airport, is located on the Dutch side of Saint Martin Island. The airport is located within walking distance to Maho Beach, where planespotters and tourists love to gaze up at jet airliners as they descend 50 feet above them. Although a wonderful sight to see, the Princess Juliana International Airport is dangerously close to the beach, which makes for a difficult approach. The short runway on water can also cause problems in pilots’ altitude perception, as well as the high terrain that can be troublesome on departure.

[Mary]

Catalina's Airport in the Sky



In these days of anxiety-laden air travel, few folks consider a trip to any airport fun anymore. Santa Catalina Island's "Airport in the Sky," however, will reward you with beautiful scenery, great food, enjoyable souvenir shopping, and a fascinating and artfully displayed open-air exhibit on the island's natural history.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport



Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is located in Khumbu, Solukhumbu district in eastern Nepal. This tiny airport serves those who are looking to climb Mount Everest, or make the short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Tenzing-Hillary Airport may be a highly traveled airport, but landing and departing here is no easy task. The high altitude, thin air and mountainous terrain make for very difficult landings. Pilots also have to battle constantly changing weather, accompanied by high winds and cloud cover. Another major factor of airline accidents here is the short, sloping runway that’s challenging to land on.


Any other airports that are really dangerous??!! Feel free to share [Forewarned is forearmed.]

[Veronica]

Catalina's Airport in the Sky looks amazing! i think i would dare to go there.