Most Scenic Airport Landings 2017

UPDATE: See 2019 Airport Poll Results

Airport poll 2016 map Cameras at the ready? The results are now in for the Top 10 Most Scenic Airport Landings of 2017.

Thousands of global travel fans voted in PrivateFly's annual Scenic Airports Poll this year. Over 122 different airports around the world received a mention, including those chosen and shortlisted by our expert judging panel.

Our Top 10 are those which received the most votes. This year's rundown is most definitely a unique mix - with some well-known landings (including previous winners) and also some newcomers, which have flown into the list for the first time.

See the full Top 10 Most Scenic Airport approaches results below and tell us what you think on social media (using #ScenicAirports).

Enjoy the flight!

1. Saba (Juancho E Yrausquin) Airport, Caribbean

You said:

"Cliffs, ocean and an adrenaline pumping experience when you land feet above a seaside cliff and come to halting stop before the other seaside cliff. Lastly the breath taking view of a lush, green mountain sticking up out of the sea."

The judges said:

Seth Miller "Landing at Saba is essentially playing a game of chicken with a mountain sticking up in the middle of the ocean. Aim right for it and at the last possible moment a sharp turn to drop down on the shortest active commercial runway in the world. Gorgeous scenery and more than a little bit of excitement along the way."

2. Donegal Airport, Ireland

You said:

"Breathtaking, stunning, wild, dramatic. You will not see anything like it anywhere else on earth. An Irish welcome awaits every visitor."

The judges said:

Adam Twidell "I have landed at Donegal many times and the rugged coastline of Ireland's North West coast is even more awe-inspiring from the air, with the backdrop of Mount Errigal adding to the timeless appeal."

3. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, France

You said:

"Spectacular mountain backdrop, the gorgeous Côte d'Azur and skimming in over the blue and turquoise Mediterranean."

Read more about Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

4. Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar

You said:

"Coming in from either East or West, the approach offers amazing views of this jewel of the Med. It also has one of the shortest runways and always provides entertainment on landing. Love Gib to bits."

The judges said:

Tom Otley "Gibraltar has stunning views, the iconic rock and a very short runway on the border of two countries."

5. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand

You said:

"Views over a lake not seen anywhere else in the world. Azure blue to great depths preceded by mountains covered in snow on either side as you approach in Winter. Absolutely stunning!"

The judges said:

Seth Miller "Drop out of the clouds, between the mountains and into a lush valley with a lake in the distance. It has a bit of everything."

6. London City Airport, UK

You said:

"The approach to London City Airport opens up a dazzling, distant and proud skyline. When the plane sweeps down on the city heart jump full of joy. London 'I love you'"

The judges said:

Tom Otley "Landing at London City Airport is not only convenient for work, it also offers an ever-changing snapshot of one of the greatest cities in the world."

7. St Maarten Airport, Caribbean

You said:

"The beautiful scene of the plane coming in over the sea and and the thrilling experience of seing the low landing makes for some of the most beautiful pictures."

"Best place to see arrivals so close up, whilst basking in the Caribbean on beautiful Maho beach. I absolutely love this place"

8. Orlando Melbourne Airport, USA

You said:

"I am a private pilot and a frequent flyer, and I have to say that the Orlando Melbourne Airport has a beautiful landing view. The mixture of the sea view to the East and the NASA launching pads to the North during a beautiful Florida sunrise make it a really cool and beautiful experience."

The judges said:

Adam Twidell "A beautiful beachside landing over Florida's Space Coast."

Read more about Orlando Melbourne Airport

9. Barra Airport, UK

You said:

"Its natural beauty is breathtaking, and landing on the beach has to be a no. 1 bucket list 'must do'"

"Totally unique! Some of the most spectacular flying in Europe around the Western Isles of Scotland, followed by a landing on the beach - at low tide!"

10. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada

You said:

"The city skyline of this airport as you approach over Lake Ontario is spectacular, particularly at night. I always try to be on the side of plane so I can see the CN Tower."

The judges said:

Carol Cork "When you approach Billy Bishop to land on Toronto Island, the view is breathtaking, framing the striking cityscape against the harbour."

Read more about Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport