(Representational pictures @FreePik)
Positioned over 9,000 feet above sea level, Lukla Airport presents a real challenge to pilots with its short 1,600 feet unidirectional runway. There's a steep mountain wall at one end of the runway and a valley at the other, making landings dangerous. (Pic courtesy: paroairport.com)
There are mountains reaching heights of 18,000 feet, causing visibility to be limited until just before landing. The lack of an airplane radar service further complicates matters.
Pilots find it pretty difficult to execute precise landings on this 1,700-feet runway with an intimidating 18.5% downward gradient. Things are made more complicated by the lack of lights or instrument assistance.
Aircraft are constantly exposed to strong winds and gusts due to its coastal location. Because of the daily cycle of sea and land breezes, the runway, which runs parallel to the coastline, exposes aircraft to considerable crosswinds.
At approximately 1,312 feet, Saba Airport boasts the world's shortest commercially usable runway. Pilots operating near the coast encounter dual challenges of a very small runway and strong crosswinds.
With an elevation of just over 100 feet, the airport is vulnerable to strong winds and dense fog. Moreover, low temperatures affect the airport, resulting in snow cover or frozen runways.
The city's main street intersects with the runway and has to be closed when a plane lands. Additionally, the small runway ends abruptly at both ends of the sea, requiring pilots to use the brakes right away upon landing.
It is located in a heavily built-up part of the huge city. The runways are also considered the most slippery in the world.
This airport has a railway intersecting with the runway. Landings are coordinated with precise schedules to avoid approaching trains.
The landing is extremely difficult because of the runway's short size and proximity to the mountains. Poor weather and frequent wind gusts make it difficult for the pilots to attempt a successful landing.