Full list: Eight most dangerous airports in the world

Madeira airport, Portugal

From dizzying altitudes in the Himalayas to icy slopes in the Alps and windswept beaches in Scotland, some of the world’s most dangerous airports test the very limits of aviation.

These are not your average runways: they are feats of daring design carved into extreme terrains, often surrounded by mountains, oceans, or unpredictable winds. For passengers, landing at these airports is less of a routine descent and more of a white-knuckle thrill ride. For pilots, only the most elite are certified to even attempt them.Here are eight of the most dangerous airports in the world: and why they’re not for the faint of heart.

Lukla Airport, Nepal (Tenzing-Hillary Airport)

Perched at 9,300 feet and cradled by razor-edged Himalayan peaks, Lukla is the gateway to Mount Everest: and arguably the most dangerous airport on Earth. The runway is just 1,729 feet long and ends in a sheer cliff. Flights are strictly limited to clear daylight hours, and turbulence is often so extreme that passengers describe the experience as “terrifying.”

Paro Airport, Bhutan

Tucked deep within the Himalayas, Paro requires planes to weave through narrow mountain valleys without the help of radar. It’s Bhutan’s only international airport, and just 17 pilots globally are approved to land there. The approach is so risky that flights can only operate during specific daylight hours, with extra caution during windy seasons.

Courchevel Altiport, France

Serving the upscale ski resort of Courchevel in the French Alps, this airport boasts an upward-sloping runway with no lights or instrument landing systems. Only small planes and helicopters are permitted. Ice, snow, and nearby ski runs add to the danger. Crashes are not uncommon as one in August 2021 left a passenger dead.