Traveling is great. Experiencing a new culture, eating great food, staying in top-of-the-line hotels, and landing at a new airport are just a few of the things that make it so appealing. Of course, not all airports are of equal quality. Some have remarkable features. Some are convenient to get to. Some are simple to connect to.
In out-of-the-way destinations, there are many magnificent landing strips. However, the most renowned are often located in popular destinations. Here we’ve gathered some of the greatest sights in popular destinations — as well as which side of the plane to sit to get the most out of them.
Here are top 15 Breath-taking Airport Landings of All Time
#1. Rio de Janeiro (SDU) Airport
Rio has one of the most impressively picturesque settings in the world thanks to roller coasters that run over hills, backed by lush mountains and fringed by sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Galeão International Airport, outside of the city centre, is where international flights arrive, but Santos Dumont, the city’s smaller airport, is utilised for many domestic flights (including shuttle services to São Paulo). Guanabara Bay is in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, right in the heart of the city, and on reclaimed land, which is fantastic for looking down at the city’s landmarks, including Sugarloaf Mountain. Sit on the right side. You can select any travel portal for your international or domestic flight booking.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking an Air Arabia Flight
#2. Malé (VIA) Airport
At Velana International Airport, a few miles off the southern coast of Malé, the Maldives’ capital, you’re treated to one of the world’s most thrilling approaches. The steel-slat runway from when it was first constructed in the 1960s is now replaced with an asphalt surface, but the picturesque views of the Indian Ocean as you land are unanimously agreed to be extraordinary. Sit either side.
#3. Venice (VCE) Airport
As you descend towards Marco Polo airport, which is situated on the mainland north of Venice, you don’t see the city unfolding before you. You do, however, as you land, when you sit on the right side of the aircraft. From the air, Venice appears to be swimming towards the coastline with its tail flapping against the Adriatic Sea. You don’t see the city as you land, but you do if you sit on the right side of the aircraft. From the MOSE flood barriers to the Lido island, there are stocky belltowers, terracotta roofs, and even glimpses of the Grand Canal. The salty marshes of the north lagoon lie in wait for the plane as it lands. Sit on the right.
Must Read: What Are Amenity Kits And The Best Amenity Kits In The Skies Now
#4. Cape Town (CPT) Airport
With Table Mountain looming up behind it and the Indian and Atlantic oceans wrapping around it, Cape Town is comparable to Rio de Janeiro in its natural environment. If you’re approaching from the northwest, you’ll see Table Mountain poking out above the clouds. You might also see Simon’s Town on the Cape Peninsula or fly straight out over the ocean and back at the city — in which case, you’ll have water views to the north and south.
#5. San Francisco (SFO) Airport
The stunning natural beauty of San Francisco, coupled with its coastline and mountains, makes it one of the world’s most picturesque cities to land at, and you’ll get plenty of fantastic views while you’re landing at SFO. You’ll get amazing views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge when your airplane turns left. On landing, you’ll see water views on both sides — including glimpses of the ocean to the left and the Bay Area to the right. Sit on the left.
#6. Genoa (GOA) Airport
Landing at Genoa’s airport is one of the best ways to make an entry onto the Med. A peninsula of reclaimed land dandles on the Ligurian Sea outside the city centre, the runway is a great way to make an impression. If you enjoy city views and see the colourful houses of Genoa city centre as they descend the cliffside, sit on the right; if you prefer the glistening Mediterranean and the sensation of landing on water, choose the left — you’ll see the tarmac just before you hit it. Sit on the right.
#7. London Heathrow (LHR) Airport
On eastern approach to Heathrow airport, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the UK capital as you swoop over its landmarks on final approach. It’s outside London’s city centre, but if you’re flying in, you’ll get a close look. You’ll cross central London following the Thames, passing Greenwich, Canary Wharf, London Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace before finally passing Windsor and the royal parks that surround it. You’ll see Wembley Stadium before touchdown on the other approach. You should sit on the right.
#8. Kigali (KGL) Airport
Planes reveal Rwanda’s stunning natural beauty, and the descent into Kigali reveals the country at its finest. As you enter Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll see lush green hills sprinkled with houses and dotted with red earth roads — all backed by mountains in the distance. On the right side, you’ll notice Lake Kivu, which acts as the border between Rwanda and the DCR, before descending over the hills. Sit on the right.
#9. Nice (NCE) Airport
On the coast of Nice, along with the airport, Genoa, and Santos Dumont in Rio, Santos Dumont in Genoa, and the Côte d’Azur coastline, you’ll see Nice airport. As you approach the runway on the left, you’ll see the glittering sea on the right. To the right of the runway, you’ll also see Monaco. Sit on the left.
#10. São Paulo (GRU) Airport
When you’re in the air, flying into São Paulo is a different experience from the ground. It’s the world’s largest city, with a population of over 12.3 million, and it can be intimidating. However, an evening flight gives you an opportunity to see the urban landscape in all its splendor. Even in cloudy weather, the same clouds gleam as if they’re alive thanks to the brilliant lights. There are lights everywhere, even if you don’t sit in one of the seats.
#11. Innsbruck (INN) Airport
Before entering Innsbruck’s main airport, nervous fliers might want to have a drink. Planes must fly above mountains to the west and east of Innsbruck before descending into the valley to land, which makes for a spectacular visual appearance. Having said that, it is a stunning sight either way. In the valley, to the left, are mountains covered with settlements, which are arguably more popular to look at. Sit on the left.
#12. Queenstown (ZQN) Airport
If you’re planning to fly into New Zealand’s largest airport, you’ll have to contend with poor weather the majority of the time. Because of this, landing here is a pretty tough proposition even when the weather is good. The left side of the plane is where you’ll get the best view of the Southern Alps and the South Island’s coastline as they come into view. Sit on the left
#13. Hong Kong (HKG) Airport
You already know that Hong Kong International Airport is going to be another excellent landing when you see that it’s constructed on reclaimed land in the South China Sea. The view of the South China Sea and its islands is still magnificent even when you are below the cloud level. You will see container ships, fishing boats, and junks as you fly lower and lower towards the tarmac. Sit on the left.
#14. Santiago de Chile (SCL) Airport
With spectacular views of the Andes as you approach Santiago, this is where you want to be if you like snowcapped mountains. The arid hills and then the plains become mountains as you approach the basin to land, keeping the Andes in sight the entire way down.
#15. Las Vegas (LAS) Airport
Fly into Sin City during the day to see the neon lights at their finest, or at night for views of the never-ending Mojave desert around it. The Strip is visible from the approach, as are the neon lights of the famous Vegas casinos. Alternatively, fly into the desert-surrounded city during the day to take in the sandstone ‘hills’ of Red Rock Canyon. Sit on the right.
Hey, I really love your content, the amount of detail and information you have provided is incredible. Also if you are a avid traveller and looking for best price for your hotels and flight tickets. Then check us out on and start your journey today.