Flight times vary at this unique beach runway according to the tides. The runway is underwater once each day.
The airport is unique, being the only one in the world where scheduled flights use a beach as the runway. The airport is operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, which owns most of the regional airports in mainland Scotland and the outlying islands. Barra Airport opened in 1936.
2. Courchevel Altiport, France
Only certified pilots are permitted to land here, as the approach is through deep valleys and tough mountain conditions. Since it is located in the French Alps, these dangerous conditions make for great viewing for the passengers.
The airfield has a very short runway of only 537 metres (1,762 ft) with a gradient of 18.6%. There is no go-aroundprocedure for landings at Courchevel, due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters and DHC-7 Dash 7 turboprops served the airport in the past; however, the airfield primarily sees smaller fixed-wing aircraft such as Cessnas as well as helicopters at present. The runway has no instrument approach procedure or lighting aids, thus making landing in fog and low clouds unsafe and almost impossible
The approach to Hulhule offers views of the archipelago in the lap of the Indian Ocean.Male airport is the main gateway into the Maldives islands for tourists. It is currently the only airport in the country offering international flights.
5. Queenstown airport, New Zealand
New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, and coming in from the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A regular scenic route between Queenstown and Milford Sound was first established by Southern Scenic Air Services Ltd in August 1951. Mount Cook Airline was the pioneer of tourist flights into Queenstown.
It has been constructed on an artificial island which is connected to the mainland by a 1.8-mile-long (3 km) bridge. The turquoise water is visible from every angle.
7. Madeira Airport, Portugal
The runway is surrounded by high mountains and the ocean. Despite the beauty for passengers, it is a tricky runway even for most experienced pilots.
The runway is just .4 miles long (650 metres), which makes it suitable only for chartered flights. The angles are very tight with unusual wind conditions, but that does not detract from the beautiful approach.
It is known for the shortest runway in the world. At just a quarter-mile (396 metre) long and flanked by hills, only helicopters and small aircrafts can use it.
10. Toronto City Airport, Canada
A combination of skyscrapers and natural beauty make landing in Toronto a sightseeing experience.
Located in the Himalayas, it offers a view of small houses scattered around the foothills. Though landing is considered to be tough here, the views over the clear blue waters over the Paro river and the lush green surroundings take the edge off passengers’ nerves.
Located at just a third-mile (500 meters) from Gibraltar’s city center, the runway is intersected by a road that has to be closed every time there is a movement on the runway. The rock of Gibraltar is visible on the approach.
These are the 5 oldest airlines Still Operating in the World
The history of aviation is an exciting adventure formed by the pioneering efforts of several individuals and organizations. The world’s oldest airlines, which have played a vital role in establishing the global travel sector, are among these trailblazers.
In this article, we will explore the five oldest airlines still in operation today, highlighting their remarkable journeys and enduring legacies in the world of aviation.
1. Finnair:
Founded: November 1, 1923 Headquarters: Vantaa, Finland Primary Hub(s): Helsinki Airport Fleet Size: 84 Destinations: 132
As a pioneer in European aviation, Finnair, founded in 1923, Marked its remarkable centennial milestone on November 1, 2023. Being among the oldest airlines in Europe, Finnair has witnessed many changes over the past 100 years, going from a small regional airline with few routes to a global leader in both air travel and hospitality.
Finnair’s adaptability has been demonstrated by its ability to quickly adjust to recent geopolitical developments and continue providing clients with exceptional service in its distinctive Nordic manner, even as it expands its services to North America and Southeast Asia.
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2. Qantas:
Founded: November 16, 1920 Headquarters: Mascot, Sydney, Australia Primary Hub(s): Brisbane Airport, Melbourne Airport, and Sydney Airport Fleet Size: 130 Destinations: 85
Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and the country’s and Oceania’s largest airline in terms of fleet size, overseas flights, and international destinations. It is the second-oldest airline still in operation.
Australian carrier Qantas holds its name among the oldest airlines in the world, with its foundations dating back to November 1920. Recently On November 16, 2020, QANTAS celebrated its remarkable centenary.
3. KLM Royal Dutuch Airlines
Founded: October 7, 1919 Headquarters: Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands Primary Hub(s): Amstelveen, North Holland, Netherlands Fleet Size: 116 Destinations: 145
KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is the world’s oldest airline that is still in operation under its original name. On October 7, 1919, the company was founded. Four years ago, On 07 October 2019, KLM celebrated its remarkable centenary. As an airline from the beginning of the 20th century, it survived World War II and is currently part of the Air France-KLM company.
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4. Aeroflot
Founded: February 3, 1923 Headquarters: Moscow, Russia Primary Hub(s): Sheremetyevo International Airport Fleet Size: 247 Destinations: 146
Aeroflot is Russia’s national carrier and largest airline. It is also Eastern Europe’s oldest airline, having been founded in early 1923. DOBOROLET, or The Russian Society for Voluntary Air Fleet, was the airline’s original name.
Aeroflot concentrated on foreign routes out of Moscow when the airline was separated into several enterprises. In celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2023, Russian airline Aeroflot (SU) recently began a series of retro-style flights, transporting customers on a nostalgic journey through time.
5. Avianca
Founded: December 5, 1919 Headquarters: Bogotá, Colombia Primary Hub(s): El Dorado International Airport and San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (Avianca El Salvador) Fleet Size: 102 Destinations: 114
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On December 5, 2019, Avianca commemorated its 100th anniversary. The airline was founded in late 1919, according to its history. After acquiring a number of airlines in nearby nations, Avianca has grown to become one of Latin America’s biggest airline groups, with a fleet of over 130 aircraft and a network of subsidiaries covering almost the entire continent.
