Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a first-time flier, few things compare to the bird’s-eye vista that comes into focus as the plane approaches the runway of a new destination. While the long-legged aisle-hoggers among us might not relate, travellers lucky enough to settle into the window seat on certain flight routes can look forward to quite the show ahead of touchdown.
But which destinations are worth visiting for the landing alone?
To uncover the most beautiful airport landings in the world, AllClear Travel Insurance analysed 32 airports around the world known for the dazzling views ahead of the runway. 100 participants were presented with a series of images showcasing the airport runways, and their visual engagement was measured using eye-tracking technology to determine the most captivating landings. The speed at which participants first focused on an image, and the average length of time participants spent looking at each image, were both recorded and turned into a score.
Some of the high-scorers are frequent landing spots for Condé Nast Traveller editors. These include Madeira Airport, in joint third place with Pitkin County Airport, which is known as having one of the world’s most challenging approaches. As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.
Many travel editors are familiar with the landing at London City Airport, too, where the glittering city skyline shows itself like a mirage after high-altitude journeys.
You’ll have to head down under for the most beautiful airport landing in the world, however – as Australia’s Lord Howe Island Airport claims the title, closely followed by New Zealand’s Queenstown Airport. See the complete list of bucket list landings below.