Airport Approaches 2013 Results

UPDATE: See 2019 Airport Poll Results

PrivateFly's 2013 poll revealed the top 10 stunning airport approaches. The shortlist was selected by an expert judging panel. The 10 most scenic airport approaches were voted for by you!

1. St Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), Caribbean

You said:
"It's a gorgeous approach over the clear blue sea, white sand beach with hills in the background. The beach goers can almost touch the landing gear as planes make their landing. It's unbelievable, a aircraft lover's dream. No where else in the world can you get so close to the variety of aircraft. Anything from a 747 to a twin otter."

What the judges said:
Patrick Jephson (Editor of Hawker Beechcraft Journey magazine): "Landing among the sun-loungers. Always a thrill."

2. Barra Airport (BRR), Scotland

You said:
"Seeing the whole island in all its beauty as you approach and the landing on the beach just puts the icing on the cake. I've flown here many times and it never fails to impress me."
View more comments on Barra Airport

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA

You said:
"The approach to LAX is quite stunning, especially at night. The city of Los Angeles spreads out to infinity below the aircraft like a blanket of stars. Daytime, passengers can gawk at the city surrounded by the desert, mountains, and the ocean."

What the judges said:
John Bevan (General Manager, Spafinder Europe): "I was blown away by the views and sheer size of it all."

Read More about Los Angeles International Airport

4. Paro (PBH), Bhutan

You said:
"A truly unique approach towards touchdown between two valleys. Awesome, thrilling experience."

What the judges said:
Peter Myers (Reuters Business Travel): "Landing at Paro is the first of many hair-raising experiences the adventurous visitor to this berserk Shangri-La-esque kingdom will likely be faced with. The aircraft weaves precariously through colossal never-summitted mountains, buffetted by treacherous winds, and before touching down comes dastardly close to taking a few picturesque roofs of nearby houses."

5. Las Vegas McCarran Airport (LAS), USA

You said:
"Weather is almost always clear. View is spectacular. Just knowing the fun starts in a matter of minutes raises the anticipation to a level you can't find anywhere else."

What the judges said:
Francisca Kellett (Tatler Travel Editor): "Views of endless rumpled desert and then - suddenly – up pops Vegas, all twinkling other-worldly lights and the promise of fun."

Read More about Las Vegas McCarran Airport

6. &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Airstrip, South Africa

You said:
"Where else in the world do you need to check the landing strip for lions or elephants before landing? AMAZING!"

What the judges said:
Richard Carrick (PrivateFly's Chairman): "Because more often than not there are giraffes on the runway."

7. London City Airport (LCY), UK

You said:
"Eastward approach great view of central London and the city, and what beats a 6 degree glideslope?!"

What the judges said:
Murdo Morrison (Flight International): "Plunging down in front of the towers of Canary Wharf and into the heart of London’s financial hub really makes you feel like a master of the universe."

Francisca Kellett (Tatler Travel Editor): "A happy view of home when I return to London, with a good eye-full of all its loveliest landmarks.;

Sarah Miller (Consultant): "It's stunning as you come in east, along the river. A dramatic homecoming."

John Bevan (General Manager, Spafinder Europe): "Always fabulous views of London."

8. Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Lesser Antilles

You said:
"There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the sparkling blue waters of Aruba on approach. The color of the buildings against the clear waters is picture perfect!"

What the judges said:
David Scowsill (President of World Travel & Tourism Council): "Absolutely stunning ocean views of the Caribbean on approach, like landing in paradise."

9. Mustique Airport (MQS), St Vincent & The Grenadines

You said:
"You feel you might be about to mow the grass on the hilltop as you skim down to the runway - love the arrows reminding the pilot which direction is acceptable."

What the judges said:
Clive Jacobs (Chairman of Travel Weekly): "Got to get over the hill pretty quick otherwise you end up in the sea, makes it exciting"