World's Top 10 Most Scenic Airport Landings

Ever wonder which airports provide passengers with the most gorgeous landings? Thankfully, PrivateFly, a leading private jet booking platform, has released the results of its annual Scenic Airports Poll. PrivateFly enlisted the help of a panel of travel experts-including travel writers Nigel Tisdall and Francesca Street and aviation experts Johnny Jet and Doug Gollan-to form a shortlist before moving onto a public vote.

"PrivateFly's Scenic Airports Poll re-inspires an excitement for flying by highlighting a number of global descents that just can't be appreciated in any other way than from above," said PrivateFly CEO and experienced pilot Adam Twidell in a statement. "Too often travelers hurry through the journey to get to their destination; this poll encourages those to stop, take a look through their aircraft window and be awestruck by the joy of flying."

Travel fans and experts voted Ireland's Donegal Airport as the number one most scenic landing for the second straight year. Twidell said "Donegal's rugged coastal landscapes are truly awe-inspiring as you come into land. There is simply nowhere else like it and its popularity with global travelers is clear."

Not many airports use a sandy beach as a runway and that sets Scotland's Barra Airport apart from the rest of the airports in the top 10. "The approach to Barra airport is awesome-superb views over to Skye and the small isles then seeing the causeway between Eriskay and South Uist coming in over the sand dunes to land on the beach at Barra is a totally unique experience-nothing beats it...every time!" said one voter.

Regardless of whether you're seeking mountain, sea or city views, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in the French Riviera has it all, earning the number three spot on PrivateFly's list for 2019.

The lone U.S. representative in the top 10 is Florida's Orlando Melbourne International Airport. "Florida is PrivateFly's home base in the States, so we are thrilled to see Orlando Melbourne International Airport make it to the top five most scenic landings," added Twidell. Interestingly, Orlando International Airport recently filed a lawsuit against the airport, accusing it of misleading travelers by using "Orlando" in its name.

Despite ranking fifth, St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport is arguably the most iconic among the top 10 most scenic airports around the world as planes approach the runway just above beachgoers' heads.

Most voters agree that approaching Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba is nothing short of remarkable. "The air approach to Saba is spectacular and thrilling," said one voter. "The island is seen ahead and as you approach begins to fill the view. As you get closer you can see the colorful cottages, trees and lush shrubbed areas, mixed among spectacular rock formations. The plane turns, dips and lands. Amazing!"

A premier destination for adventure travelers, just getting to the resort town Queenstown is part of the thrilling journey as the simple act of landing at the namesake airport is all but guaranteed to blow travelers away.

Toronto's unmistakable CN Tower is the star attraction when landing north of the border at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Between Lake Ontario and the breathtaking city views, there's plenty to feast your eyes on before you touch down.

Similar to Toronto, London is a hugely popular destination, making London City Airport one of the most accessible scenic landings in the world. Arriving at sunrise or sunset enhances the views just that much more, according to voters.

If majestic mountain views are your thing, you'll want to be in a window seat while landing at Italy's Aosta Valley Airport. "A simply awesome approach, taking in Mont Blanc, The Matterhorn…and landing in a snowcapped valley," one voter described.