Discover the world’s 10 most beautiful airport landings, ranked through a global eye-tracking study by travel insights platform All Clear. From Australia to Nepal, explore the most breathtaking runways that make every landing feel unforgettable.
There are few travel moments more unforgettable than those final minutes before touchdown—when your airplane dips beneath the clouds and a jaw-dropping panorama opens beneath you. Whether it’s glittering oceans, majestic mountains or iconic skylines, some runways turn the simple act of landing into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To uncover which of these dramatic descents are truly the most captivating, travel insights platform All Clear analysed 32 scenic airports around the world using a fascinating global eye-tracking study. One hundred participants were shown images of the world’s most scenic runways, while researchers measured two things: how fast each landing grabbed their attention, and how long the view held their gaze. Using a weighted formula that combined both metrics, the world’s 10 most beautiful airport landings have finally been revealed. So buckle up and get ready to discover the runways that will make you fall in love with flying all over again.
1. Lord Howe Island Airport, Australia — The Most Beautiful Landing on Earth
Tucked inside a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lord Howe Island Airport claims the top spot with an eye-catching score of 85/100. With only 400 visitors allowed at a time and access possible solely by air, landing here feels like entering a protected paradise. Participants spent longer gazing at this image than any other—2.64 seconds on average—mesmerised by its turquoise waters, emerald peaks and serene isolation.
2. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand — A Dramatic Descent
With a score of 79/100, Queenstown delivers one of the world’s most spectacular approaches. Aircraft must navigate a steep, narrow descent between jagged alpine ranges, a manoeuvre so challenging that pilots need special training. For passengers, the payoff is enormous: snow-dusted mountains, glacial rivers and the iconic Lake Wakatipu shimmering below.
3. Madeira Airport, Portugal — Beauty Framed by Cliffs
Madeira’s approach is legendary among aviation lovers. Set against rugged sea cliffs, emerald mountains and the deep blue Atlantic, it’s no surprise this runway recorded one of the longest gaze times (2.53 seconds) in the entire study. The descent is thrilling, the views are cinematic, and the landing feels like gliding into an island of pure adventure.
4. Pitkin County Airport, USA — A Rocky Mountain Welcome
Also tying for the third spot with a score of 77/100, Aspen’s Pitkin County Airport offers a winter wonderland view that few destinations can match. Surrounded by soaring peaks, the airport has just one approach and one departure route, making every landing a dramatic slide between snow-capped giants.
5. Rio de Janeiro–Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil — The Fastest Attention-Grabber
Capturing attention in just 0.69 seconds, this Rio runway is the most instantly eye-catching in the entire study. As you descend, you’ll see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Ipanema and the glistening Guanabara Bay. It’s impossible not to feel the pulse of Brazil’s vibrant spirit even before you land.
5. London City Airport, United Kingdom — A Skyline Lover’s Dream
Scoring 76/100, London City Airport delivers a postcard-perfect view of the British capital. As your plane glides low over the River Thames, you’ll spot The Shard, the O2 Arena, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge and the London Eye—all from one jaw-dropping angle. It’s one of the most visually rich urban landings in Europe.
7. Innsbruck Airport, Austria — Mountains in Every Direction
Nestled between the snow-draped Austrian Alps, Innsbruck’s runway is a beauty in every season. In summer, golden sunsets brighten the valleys and villages; in winter, the city becomes a snowy wonderland. It’s the kind of approach that feels like flying into a fairytale.
8. Paro Airport, Bhutan — A Himalayan Gem
With an eye-catching score of 72/100, Paro is widely considered one of the world’s most scenic—and most challenging—airport approaches. Only a handful of trained pilots can land here due to the mountainous terrain. The reward? Spellbinding Himalayan peaks and a peaceful Buddhist valley waiting below.
9. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean Netherlands — The World’s Shortest Runway
Measuring just 400 metres, this cliff-edge runway on Saba Island is as thrilling as it is beautiful. Approaching planes skim above electric-blue Caribbean waters, rugged cliffs and lush green hills. It’s equal parts heart-pounding and breathtaking.
10. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, USA — Touching Down Over the Ocean
Hawaii’s main airport offers an unforgettable ocean-first landing. The final descent takes you over endless Pacific waters—so close you feel like you’re about to land on the sea. It’s a dreamy introduction to the islands’ tropical charm.
10. Lukla Airport, Nepal — Gateway to Everest
Sharing the 10th spot with a score of 68/100, Lukla Airport is world-famous for its tiny runway and its position among the planet’s highest peaks. For adventurers flying in en route to Everest Base Camp, the first glimpse of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse makes the heart race.
