These are top 10 most scenic airports in the world

Any true traveller knows that the best sightseeing starts in the air.

The results are in from the annual poll by Private Fly, revealing the ten most scenic airport landings in the world. The results are based on voter responses from across the globe and an expert judging panel.

Canada’s own Billy Bishop airport on Toronto Islands made the list for the fifth consecutive year, where passengers get to see a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline and harbour as they arrive and depart from the city.

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So splurge on that window seat and get your camera ready. Here are the top ten most scenic airports in the world.

1. Donegal Airport (Ireland)

Voters said: “The view is spectacular! Mountains on one side and a beautiful rugged coastline dotted with islands and golden sandy beaches running adjacent to the runway.”

“Most beautiful scenery I ever saw, with the beach on one side with crystal clear water and Mount Errigal standing tall on the other side.”

“There is nowhere as lovely as the wild rugged beauty of unspoiled Donegal.”

2. Barra Airport (Scotland)

Voters said: “The quirky nature, the magnificent views coming in and going out and onto a sandy beach. It is a joyous experience from start to finish. Just wonderful.”

“I just love the remoteness of the Isle of Barra and its rugged terrain. Landing on a cockleshell beach is quite the experience too. Make sure the tide is out!”

“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!”

3. Nice Airport (France)

Voters said: “Spectacular approach with the Mediterranean sunlight glistening off the azure water of the sea, the evergreen trees and red rocks of the Esterel, pastel Provencal building, and all with the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Southern Alps. ”

“The approach over the sea offers a view of the entire Cote d’Azur, including Cannes, Nice, the famous Baie des Anges and the Alpes Maritimes.”

“Mountains, sea, city and the Promenade des Anglais…this airport has it all!”

4. Orlando Melbourne International Airport (USA)

Voters said: “First you see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and then pass over the Indian and Banana Rivers.  Then there is a pass over the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station – where you may get a glimpse of a rocket on a launchpad. ”

“As a pilot and a world traveller, I have to say that no other approach takes your breath away like the approach into MLB.”

“Coming in over the Atlantic Ocean is an amazing experience. On a clear day you can see the Kennedy Space Center.”

5. St Maarten (Netherlands Antilles)

Voters said: “It’s just beautiful. The water, the colour, the land to the side and yes – the awesome approach just above spectators’ heads can’t be beat!”

“Water at one end, a mountain at the other. Land over a throng of people on the beach who are all excited to see you.”

“Most pristine and exhilarating rush filled with glimpses of the azure sea and neighbouring islands and cays. Love it!”

6. Saba Juancho E Yrausquin Airport (Netherlands Antilles)

Voters said: “The air approach to Saba is spectacular and thrilling. The island is seen ahead and as you approach begins to fill the view. As you get closer you can see the colourful cottages, trees and lush shrubbed areas, mixed among spectacular rock formations. The plane turns, dips and lands. Amazing!”

“Approaching the island is breathtaking both for its birdseye view of the island’s beauty and for its thrilling straight on approach — a seemingly sharp right turn to see the shortest commercial runway in the world and sticking the landing like on flypaper.”

“Thrilling landing, spectacular views and the beautiful scenery of Saba – the unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean.”

7. Queenstown Airport (New Zealand)

Voters said: “As you descend between the rugged peaks of the snowcapped Southern Alps, then along the vineyard-lined Gibston Valley, take a slight left alongside The Remarkables, over the Shotover River then touchdown on the tarmac. This awe-inspiring approach will leave you blown away!”

“Dramatic jagged peaks and Lake Wakatipu provide a taste of the glorious scenery on offer in Queenstown and its environs.”

“Either a descent down a valley or across beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Scenery stunning both ways.”

8. Toronto Billy Bishop (Canada)

Voters said: “Looking out the window as you arrive in Toronto you see Lake Ontario, the boats and yachts peacefully gliding across the water, the epic CN Tower and all the greatness of the city.”

“Perfect mix between city and sea. A view of the city we are to explore from the top and a particular airport literally in the middle of the city.”

“The view of the city skyline is breathtaking and the iconic CN Tower is in plain view upon approach.”

9. London City Airport (England)

Voters said: “Flying so low into an airport over one of the world’s most famous places cities gives you an experience like no other. Views coming into the airport include world-famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and skyscrapers…followed by a thrilling steep approach to the runway.”

“The view over London’s Canary Wharf and the River Thames is incredible. Amazing at sunset and sunrise.”

“With the airport in the heart of London, the views of this amazing capital city are just outstanding.”

10. Aosta Airport (Italy)

Voters said: “The airport is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Alps, near Mont Blanc.”

“You arrive between the most majestic mountains in Europe.”

“A simply awesome approach, taking in Mont Blanc, The Matterhorn…and landing in a snowcapped valley.”