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1. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand: Topping the list is New Zealand’s Queenstown Airport, with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, pristine lakes and national parks welcoming its guests – along with an approach that skirts jagged mountain peaks. One traveller commented, “I've flown to many beautiful locations worldwide but nothing even comes close to the thrill and beauty that stuns you as you come in to land at Queenstown.” Photo: Vaughan Brookfield -
2. Las Vegas McCarran Airport, United States: Lucky travellers can spot the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip as they descend into Sin City, which looks all the more impressive at night. And let’s not forget mountain ranges so close that you could put your arm out and touch them. -
3. Nice Cote D'Azur Airport, France: Move aside Paris, it’s Nice’s turn to shine. Enjoy the Gateway to the French Riviera's views of the sparkling blue water and distant hills, which can sometimes be snow-capped. -
4. Barra Airport, Scotland: As one of the world’s only beach-based commercial airstrips, the runway here disappears twice per day with the comings and goings of the tide. The approach isn’t too shabby either, says PrivateFly, with aircraft passing majestic mountains, stunning coastline and a historic harbour castle. Australia’s own Gold Coast Airport just isn’t the same. Photo: Sue Jackson -
5. Princess Juliana International, The Caribbean: Better-known as Sint Maarten Airport on the Dutch side of Saint Martin island, the approach here speaks for itself. Whether you’re one of the plane nuts who hangs out here or a brave beachgoer, it’s sure to feel as if the incoming aircraft are landing right on top of you. Photo: Martial Dekker -
6. Juancho E Yrausquin Airport, Saba, The Caribbean: Close behind and also from The Caribbean is Saba Airport – one of the most challenging landings a commercial airline pilot can accomplish. “You seem to fly straight into the cliffs, correcting at the very last minute before touchdown,” one surveyed traveller said. “Even then, it's not over, with the sea ready to meet you as the plane stops just short of the end of the runway and the open sea!" -
7. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada: Forget the usual taxi lines, airport trains or expensive chauffeur-driven transfers: the CBD is quite literally a moment away from Toronto City Airport. With breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, Toronto’s skyscrapers and Canadian parkland, skip Pearson International and have your private jet land here instead. -
8. Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar: Similar to Billy Bishop Airport, Gibraltar Airport is just 500 metres from the city’s centre – but with an interesting twist. One of the island’s main roads actually crosses paths with the runway, so you’ll see motorists waiting to cross as your aircraft arrives. -
9. London City Airport, UK: Heathrow. Gatwick. Two airports that don’t provide London travellers with picturesque views of the River Thames and downtown London as you touch down, which awaits at London City Airport. "The cockpit windows frame the perfect shot of the world's financial hub, appreciated by many, but adored only by pilots,” said one respondent. “Come rain or shine, the city pulses beneath you during every landing." Photo: Andrew Holt -
10. Cape Town Airport, South Africa: Rounding out the top 10 is Cape Town Airport and its view of Table Mountain and False Bay. Add to that Robben Island and the beaches of the Cape Peninsula, and you’ll wish Qantas flew straight to Cape Town rather than Johannesburg. Photo: Michael Zhang -
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From vertiginous mountains to glittering cities to perilous coastal runways, coming in to land at these international airports will really take your breath away.
Private jet booking service PrivateFly recently polled more than 3000 high flyers on their favourite spot to land. And the winner? It's just across the Tasman.
Check out the gallery above to see which scenic spots made the cut.
This article first appeared on the Australian Business Traveller website.