The World’s 5 Shortest Commercial Airport Runways

In aviation, runway length is a critical factor affecting the type of aircraft that can operate safely. While most commercial airports boast long runways designed for large aircraft, there are a few unique locations where runways are dramatically shorter. These short runways often serve remote regions or islands, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for pilots and passengers alike. Here are five of the shortest commercial airport runways in the world:

1. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) – Saba, Caribbean

• Runway Length: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
• Notable Features:
  Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is widely regarded as having the shortest commercial runway in the world. Situated on the small Caribbean island of Saba, the runway is flanked by cliffs on one end and the sea on the other. Due to its extreme length limitations, only small STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft are permitted to operate here, making it a bucket-list destination for aviation enthusiasts.

2. Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA) – Lukla, Nepal

• Runway Length: 527 meters (1,729 feet)
• Notable Features:
  Often referred to as the gateway to Mount Everest, Tenzing-Hillary Airport is as perilous as it is short. The runway is built on a steep incline, with one end dropping off into a deep valley and the other ending at a mountain wall. This unique design helps aircraft decelerate during landing and gain speed during takeoff.

3. Courchevel Altiport (CVF) – Courchevel, France

• Runway Length: 537 meters (1,762 feet)
• Notable Features:
  Nestled in the French Alps, Courchevel Altiport serves the exclusive ski resort of Courchevel. The runway’s gradient and elevation add complexity to operations, and only highly experienced pilots can navigate its challenging approach. The airport’s stunning alpine setting makes it one of the most picturesque on this list.

4. Congonhas Airport (CGH) – São Paulo, Brazil

• Runway Length: 1,940 meters (6,365 feet)
• Notable Features:
  While longer than others on this list, Congonhas Airport earns a mention for its short runways relative to the size of aircraft it serves. Located in the heart of São Paulo, its two runways handle large commercial jets in close proximity to urban areas, making operations particularly challenging.

5. Barra Airport (BRR) – Barra, Scotland

• Runway Length: Variable (Dependent on Tide)
• Notable Features:
  Barra Airport stands out for its unique runway — a beach. This Scottish airport’s runways are marked by wooden poles on the sands of Traigh Mhor beach, and flight schedules are subject to tidal conditions. It’s the only airport in the world where scheduled flights use a tidal beach as a runway.

Final Thoughts

Flying into airports with short runways can be a thrilling experience, showcasing the skill of pilots and the versatility of modern aviation. These airports serve as vital lifelines for remote communities while offering passengers an unforgettable adventure.

Have you ever landed at one of these airports?