Air travel has become one of the safest modes of transportation, with advanced technology and safety protocols in place. However, some airports in the world are still considered to be among the most dangerous due to their location, infrastructure, and weather conditions. Here are some of the world’s most dangerous airports and what makes them risky.
Paro Airport (PBH), Bhutan
Paro Airport in Bhutan is known for its challenging approach, which requires pilots to navigate through a narrow valley and make a steep descent to land on the runway. The airport is in a mountainous region and is surrounded by peaks over 5,000 meters high. Only a handful of pilots are qualified to land at Paro Airport, making it one of the most exclusive airports in the world.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport (TEZ), Nepal
Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Nepal is another airport that serves as a gateway to Mount Everest. The airport is located at an altitude of 2,860 meters and has a short runway just 460 meters long. Pilots must make a steep descent and avoid the mountainous terrain to land on the runway, which is also prone to high winds and low visibility.
Lukla Airport (LUA), Nepal
Lukla Airport in Nepal is known for its short runway, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. The airport serves as a gateway to Mount Everest and is one of the busiest airports in Nepal. Pilots must navigate through a narrow valley and descend steeply to land on the runway, which is only 500 meters long. The airport has also been plagued by several accidents over the years, making it one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
Courchevel Airport (CVF), France
Courchevel Airport in France is known for its short runway and steep slope, making it a challenging airport for pilots to navigate. The runway is just 537 meters long and has a gradient of 18.6%, making it one of the steepest runways in the world. The airport is popular with skiers, but landing and taking off can be risky, especially in bad weather conditions.
ToncontÃn International Airport (TGU)
Honduras ToncontÃn International Airport in Honduras is located in a densely populated area with a short runway just 1,800 meters long. Pilots must navigate through mountainous terrain and descend steeply to land on the runway, which is also prone to high winds and turbulence. The airport has been the site of several accidents over the years, making it one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
In conclusion, these airports are just a few examples of the most dangerous airports in the world. These airports’ location, infrastructure, and weather conditions make these airports risky. While these airports may provide a thrilling experience for some, they should be approached with caution and only by experienced pilots. It is important to remember that air travel is still one of the safest modes of transportation, and advanced safety protocols and technology have made flying safer.
