Donegal Airport: The Most Scenic Landing Strip for Three Years Running
Donegal Airport has been recognized as the airport with the most scenic landing strip for the third consecutive year. The poll, conducted by a private jet booking platform, collected responses from over 6,000 individuals who nominated the airports they found to have the most beautiful approaches and departures.
Scenic Surroundings of Donegal Airport
The airstrip at Carrickfinn, Donegal, situated in the north-west of Ireland, topped the list due to its breathtaking surroundings. Following it were Msembe Airstrip in Tanzania in second place, and Skiathos (Alexandros Papadiamantis) Airport in Greece in third.
Donegal Airport’s “spectacular view” received extensive acclaim in previous surveys. One voter remarked, “Mountains on one side and a beautiful rugged coastline dotted with islands and golden sandy beaches running adjacent to the runway,” while another described it as the “most beautiful scenery I ever saw, with the beach on one side featuring crystal-clear water and Mount Errigal standing tall on the other.”
Global Airports Recognized for Stunning Views
The poll evaluated 129 airports worldwide, with travel industry professionals creating a shortlist for the public vote. Other airports highlighted for their remarkable surroundings included Orlando (Melbourne) International Airport in the US and the island of Barra in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, ranking fourth and fifth respectively.
According to Adam Twidell, CEO of the private jet booking platform, “Many of us have flown less frequently this year, but these ultimate destination landings are a welcome reminder of the uplifting power of travel and aviation — and a jaw-dropping inspiration for some memorable future journeys.”
Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport secured sixth place due to its stunning position on a crystal-blue lagoon in French Polynesia. St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport, where planes land near Maho Beach, and the Seychelles’ Praslin Island Airport were also acknowledged for their picturesque settings, while Dubai International Airport and Fiji’s Nadi International Airport rounded out the top 10.
This article was first published on March 25, 2019, and updated on September 17, 2020.