A survey of more than 6,000 aviation fans has shown which airports are the most beautiful and some that feature on the list are not what you might think…
Donegal in Ireland has been named as the world’s most beautiful airport – for the third year in a row – in a major vote by more than 6,000 frequent flyers, flight enthusiasts and aviation geeks.
The results of the annual Scenic Airports poll by private jet booking service PrivateFly, a Directional Aviation company, comes as an uplifting reminder of the joys of flying, as the aviation industry experiences one of its most challenging years on record due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Set in a ruggedly beautiful location amid an untouched landscape, Donegal took the top spot. Coming in second place was Msembe Airstrip in Tanzania, which serves the breath-taking and protected Ruaha National Park in East Africa. Skiathos/Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport in Greece came third, offering stunning views of the island and the glittering Aegean Sea.
| Rank | Airport | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donegal | Ireland |
| 2 | Msembe Airstrip | Tanzania |
| 3 | Skiathos/Alexandros Papaiamantis | Greece |
| 4 | Orlando/Melbourne International | USA |
| 5 | Barra | Scotland |
| 6 | Bora Bora/Motu Mute | French Polynesia |
| 7 | St Maarten/Princess Juliana | St Maarten |
| 8 | Praslin Island | Seychelles |
| 9 | Dubai International | UAE |
| 10 | Nadi International | Fiji |
Adam Twidell, PrivateFly CEO, commented: “Many of us have flown less frequently this year, but these ultimate destination landings are a welcome reminder of the uplifting power of travel and aviation - and a jaw dropping inspiration for some memorable future flights. Flying offers the ultimate ringside seat to some of the most incredible views to be seen anywhere around the world.”
Steve O‘Culain, the chairman of Donegal Airport added: "We’re delighted to receive this recognition for the third year. And when they can, we hope more travellers will come and share this beautiful part of the world with us, located in the Gaelic speaking Donegal Gaeltacht on the Wild Atlantic Way. Beidh míle fáilte romhaibh!"
