2015 World’s 10 Most Beautiful Airports – New Zealand’s Queenstown Takes No. 1

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Global private jet booking platform PrivateFly has announced the 2015 list of the world’s ten most beautiful airports. According to a report by CNN, the competition featured 147 airports from around the globe, and the final ranking was determined by votes from over 3,000 people. The top spot went to Queenstown Airport in New Zealand, followed by McCarran Airport in the United States at No. 2, and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France at No. 3.

No. 1: Queenstown Airport, New Zealand
PrivateFly noted that Queenstown is located in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island and is the heart of lakeside and river scenery.

▲ Queenstown Airport in New Zealand wins the 2015 title for most beautiful airport in the world (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 2: McCarran Airport, Las Vegas, USA
The main reason McCarran Airport was chosen as one of the most beautiful is the way the oasis city of Las Vegas appears to miraculously rise from the desert. In addition, the airport features numerous slot machines, allowing travelers to keep playing right up until their departure.

▲ McCarran Airport in Las Vegas (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

McCarran Airport in Las Vegas is also among the top 10 most beautiful airports visited by Taiwanese travelers. Flights on United Airlines from Taipei to San Francisco, with a connecting flight to Las Vegas, take just 14 hours, and the airport's frequent domestic routes are very popular with Taiwanese passengers.

No. 3: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, France
PrivateFly mentioned that the airport is located 3.7 miles southwest of Nice and serves as the main gateway for travelers heading to southern France, ranking as France’s third-largest airport.

▲ Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 4: Barra Airport, Scotland
Flights here are scheduled according to the tide—because during high tide, the runway at Barra Airport is submerged. Only about 1,000 flights take off and land here annually.

▲ Barra Airport in Scotland (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 5: Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten, Caribbean
It is a major aviation hub for the Leeward Islands. The airport’s most distinctive feature is its runway, which is only 2,349 meters long. Aircraft often fly extremely low when landing—just 10 to 20 meters above the beach—so many plane enthusiasts gather here to watch the landings.

▲ Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, Caribbean (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 6: Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba, Dutch Caribbean
Both ends of the runway drop off into cliffs with the ocean below, leaving no room for pilot error. Moreover, the surrounding mountainous terrain causes strong updrafts and downdrafts, so most aircraft using this airport are turboprops.

▲ Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba, Dutch Caribbean (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 7: Toronto Islands Airport, Canada
This small airport is located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It ranks as the 14th busiest airport in Canada in terms of takeoffs and landings. Ferries are the only means of transportation to and from downtown Toronto.

▲ 2015 Top 10 Most Beautiful Airports – Toronto Islands Airport, Canada (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 8: Gibraltar Airport, UK
Although it is close to the city center, Gibraltar Airport has a runway that is only 1,829 meters long and can only accommodate small narrow-body aircraft. Whenever a plane takes off or lands, nearby roads must be closed.

▲ 2015 Top 10 Most Beautiful Airports – Gibraltar Airport, UK (Photo / Screenshot from wiki)

No. 9: London City Airport
Sitting by the window, you can see the Thames River and all of London’s iconic buildings. The airport mainly operates domestic and regional flights.

▲London City Airport (Photo / taken from wiki)

10th place: Cape Town Airport, South Africa
It is the second largest airport in South Africa, located near the famous “Table Mountain.” Passengers sitting by the window can enjoy the stunning views.

▲Cape Town Airport, South Africa (Photo / taken from wiki)

(Source: Central News Agency)