The world’s shortest commercial airport runway is located on a small Dutch island, and is one of the trickiest landings for a pilot.
The runway is only 401 metres long and sits on the edge of a cliff at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba.
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the only airport on the tiny island of Saba.
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The strip is flanked by rocky drops and surrounded by the sea.
Because of its small size it can only accommodate small aircrafts, such as the BN-2 Islander. It is one of aviation’s most famous approaches.
The tiny island is labelled as Caribbean’s “Unspoiled Queen,” and is a special municipality of the Netherlands.
Saba Airport sits at the island’s only flat point.
It is a perfect spot for an adventurous trip filled with hiking and diving.
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The flight to the tiny runway is known as one of the most impressive, with a view of dramatic volcanic scenery and steep cliffs on the journey.
Most visitors make the flight from Sint Maarten, which is only about 28 miles away.
It is operated several times a day by Winair and takes just twelve to fifteen minutes.
On approach passengers take in breathtaking views of cliffs, coastline and the deep blue sea.
Due to its length the descent to land feel dramatic, as the wheels of the aircraft hit the tarmac in just a few moments.
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Pilots who land at Saba Airport have been specially trained for the route and its tricky landing.
The next shortest runway in size is located in Nepal, at Tenzing–Hillary Airport, known as a gateway to Mount Everest.
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The runway in Lukla is 527-meter (1,729 feet).
This runway has a steep gradient, a mountain wall backdrop, and a valley drop-off that forces pilots to commit fully to landing.