The World's Most Stunning Airport Landings, Ranked

For travelers lucky enough to grab a window seat, the approach to a runway can be as memorable as the destination itself. But which airports offer the most breathtaking views before touchdown?

AllClear Travel Insurance set out to answer that question by analyzing 32 airports known for scenic approaches. They showed images of each runway to 100 participants and used eye-tracking technology to measure visual engagement, recording how quickly people focused on each image and how long they lingered. Those metrics were combined into an 'eye-catching score.'

Australia's Lord Howe Island Airport took the top spot with a score of 85, followed closely by New Zealand's Queenstown Airport at 79. In joint third place were Madeira Airport in Portugal and Pitkin County Airport in the United States, both scoring 77. Pitkin County is known for one of the world's most challenging approaches, with lush green mountains flowing into villages, beaches, and clear waters below.

Other notable entries include London City Airport, where the glittering city skyline appears like a mirage after high-altitude flights, and Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, tied at 76. Innsbruck, Paro, and Juancho E. Yrausquin airports also made the list, along with Daniel K. Inouye International, Lukla, Seychelles International, Telluride Regional, Nice Côte d'Azur, Wellington International, and Billy Bishop Toronto City airports.

The full ranking offers plenty of inspiration for travelers seeking a spectacular pre-landing show.