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Top 8 Smallest Airports In The World 2023

The smallest airports in the world present some interesting architecture and challenges to pilot’s abilities and expertise but also provide services any other airport can provide,

Published

1 year ago

April 7, 2023

Oluwafemi Afolayan

Top 8 Smallest Airports In The World 2023

The airport is one of the safest means of transportation that can serve people of different demographic and social statuses, be it business class or economy or traveling for an excursion, reunion, or whatever your purpose of traveling is or may probably be, the airport has come to remain a crucial aspect of the modern human journey to better life and discoveries as well as, irrespective of where you intend to go, the size of these smallest airports in the world may actually be what you need.

Additionally, the airport listed on this list functions almost like any other bigger airport in the world, primarily, the difference is associated with the area and landmass of these smallest airports in the world, as they provided the same service and can handle international travel.

Furthermore, you’ll find it almost impossible that an airport can have the kind of landmass the airports on this list uses because you’re probably familiar with bigger architecture, but you’ll find it amusing how an airport can actually run or if the planes don’t run out of runways. This article will answer some of the questions you may have or whatever it that may bother you in case you find yourself in one of these airports someday.

1. Juancho E Yrausquin Airport

Smallest airports in the world

The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport which is located on the Dutch Caribbean Island Saba has the shortest runway in the world. The short airways make it difficult for other airlines to make a landing in this airport because of the fear of running short on the track and having an overrun which can lead to terrible accidents but regional airline propeller aircraft are able to land there under waivers from The Netherlands Antilles’ Civil Aviation Authority. Additionally, due to its small size, the airport is held in high esteem in the aviation world.

2. Barra Airport, Scotland

Smallest airports in Europe

Just like Juancho airport, Berra airport which is located in Scotland has a short runway and is distinguished and known for its architecture. Additionally, it has 3 runways in form of a triangle which are on the beach. Situated in the wide shallow bay of Traigh Mhòr at the northern tip of the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, Berra airport work for only about 3 hours daily. Also, the airport is the only airport in the world that uses the sea tide to schedule flights and it operates just like any other airport.

3. Gustaf III Airport, Saint-Barthélemy

Smallest airport runway in the world

Gustaf III airport is a public airport that is located in the village of St. Jean on the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy. Meanwhile, most of the aircraft visiting the airport carry about twenty passengers or less, likewise, because of its short runways and its close proximity to automotive traffic, it is ranked one of the most dangerous airports in the world ranking third on the list. Most importantly, smaller aircraft operate in this airport, and the largest aircraft ever allowed to operate at this airport is the Canadian-built de Havilland Dash 7.

4. Moshoeshoe International Airport, Lesotho

The world’s smallest airports

This airport is a very important airport in Lesotho as it serves as the main airport serving the capital city. Moshoeshoe international airport, got its name from Moshoeshoe I, king of Lesotho from 1822 to 1870, having just two small runways, the airport which is supposed to be international runs domestic flights with the only foreign destination served is the South African metropolis of Johannesburg. In addition, it has a few relaxation centers like its souvenir shop, as well as a restaurant, a bar, and a newsstand.

5. Morgantown Airport, United States

Smallest airports in the world by area

The Morgantown airport is one of the smallest airports in the world as well as the United States covering approximately 494 acres (200 ha) at an elevation of 1,244 feet (379 m) above sea level. Just like every other airport on this list, it also has a short runway which made it impossible or difficult for larger airplanes to use as it can only accommodate smaller planes. It is located three miles east of Morgantown, in Monongalia County, West Virginia.

6. Charles Kirkconnell International Airport

Smallest airport runway in the world

Charles Kirkconnell international airport is one of the 3 airports operating in the self-governing British overseas territory, Cayman Island. Due to its small size, it only has one runway and it is the only airport on Cayman Brac. In addition, unlike the previous airports that have been mentioned on this list, this airport operated larger aircraft, like the Boeing 737 MAX which uses the airport almost on daily basis, and Saab 340B.

7. Yarmouth Airport, Canada

Smallest airports in the world

The Yarmouth airport is one of the smallest airports in Canada which is located in Nova Scotia. It was home to the Royal Air Force training base during WW II, covering a landmass of about 3.16 km. At present, Yarmouth International Airport has no scheduled passenger service. Meanwhile, it has three runways but currently operates one, though it has small runways which made it hard for bigger planes to use on November 11, 1971, an Iberia Airlines Boeing 747 made an emergency landing at the airport due to a bomb threat.

8. Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal

Smallest international airports in the world

Lastly, Tenzing-Hillary airport rounds this list up as one of the smallest airports in the world as well as one of the most dangerous airports. The airport is located in the town of Lukla, in Khumbu Pasanglhamu, Solukhumbu District, Koshi Province of Nepal and it got its name from the first people to arrive at the height of the mountain in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

The Tenzing-Hillary Airport is most famous because it is starting point for climbing the legendary Mount Everest. In addition to having a small runway measuring only 527 meters, treacherous mountain tops due to its changing weather conditions, and the surrounding slopes, landing at this airport requires skills far greater than any other airport and it serves as a true test of a pilot’s abilities.