Summary
Sometimes an interest in aviation and plane spotting can lead us to some unusual and remote locations.
The necessity of air travel in linking remote places and communities often means there are unique adventures to be had involving air travel.
This guide brings you inspiration on some of Europe’s most remote major airports.
Vágar Airport (Faroe Islands)
Located on the island of Vágar, this airport is the gateway to the rugged and stunning Faroe Islands. With dramatic cliffs and unpredictable weather, Vágar offers challenging conditions for pilots and an exciting experience for aviation enthusiasts. The single runway is nestled between mountains, making every approach and departure a spectacle. Flights connect primarily to Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and a few European cities.
Barra Airport (Scotland)
One of the most unique airports in the world, Barra’s “runways” are sandy beaches that are submerged at high tide. Located in the Outer Hebrides, it offers breathtaking scenery and a truly one-of-a-kind landing experience. Flights, operated by Loganair, connect this remote location to Glasgow and Benbecula, making it a bucket-list destination for avgeeks.
Funchal Airport (Madeira, Portugal)
Bingar1234, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
This airport, famously known for its short runway extended on a platform over the ocean, is one of Europe’s most challenging for pilots. Nestled on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic, Funchal offers stunning scenery and strong crosswinds that test the skills of even experienced aviators. It’s a favorite for aviation photographers and enthusiasts seeking dramatic landings.
Ísafjörður Airport (Iceland)
Fahrschein at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Serving the remote Westfjords region, Ísafjörður Airport features one of the most dramatic approaches in Europe, with aircraft navigating between steep mountains and over fjords. Its isolated location, limited services, and small terminal give it a distinctly rugged feel, and flights primarily connect to Reykjavik.
Akureyri Airport (Iceland)
Photo (c) ERIC SALARD
Located in northern Iceland, Akureyri Airport is a vital hub for the region, offering domestic and limited international flights. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and fjords, it is a favorite among spotters looking for Arctic aviation experiences. It also serves as an alternative to Keflavik for accessing Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.
Longyearbyen Airport (Svalbard, Norway)
As the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled flights, Longyearbyen is a gateway to the Arctic wilderness. With polar bears and glaciers nearby, the airport has a remote and otherworldly feel. Flights connect to mainland Norway and occasionally to other Arctic destinations, making it a bucket-list spot for adventurous aviation enthusiasts.
Alta Airport (Norway)
Algkalv, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Situated in northern Norway, Alta serves as a key airport for accessing the Arctic Circle and the surrounding wilderness. Its location provides incredible opportunities for spotting Northern Lights in the winter months. Flights connect to Oslo and other Norwegian cities, often requiring aircraft specially equipped for cold weather operations.
Kirkwall Airport (Scotland)
Kirkwall Airport serves as the main gateway to the Orkney Islands, connecting this remote archipelago in northern Scotland to the mainland and other islands. Operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL), it features a small but busy terminal offering regular flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, as well as inter-island flights to destinations like Westray and Papa Westray. These inter-island routes include the world’s shortest scheduled flight, lasting just over a minute. Surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, Kirkwall Airport is a hub for island life and a unique spot for aviation enthusiasts interested in short-haul operations and regional aircraft.
Horta Airport (Azores, Portugal)
Photo (c) Viv Lynch
Horta Airport is located on the island of Faial in the Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1971, the airport provides essential connectivity to Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, and other islands in the Azores, making it a vital link for residents and tourists alike. Known for its scenic location, the airport offers breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby volcanic peaks, including Mount Pico on the neighboring island. Its modest terminal and the use of regional turboprop aircraft add to its charm, making it a favorite destination for aviation enthusiasts seeking remote and picturesque airports.
Have you flown to any of these airports? Leave a comment below!
Title image: Alexey Reznichenko, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
