The Most Scenic Airports You’ve Never Been To

We talked to some pilots about their favorite lesser-known airports, the scenic or remote places they love to fly into. If your travels haven’t taken you to these five stunning corners of the map, add them to your planner (in no particular order). 

Nestled on the small island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean, Plaine Corail Airport offers panoramic views of turquoise lagoons, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled beaches. This airport is the only gateway to the remote paradise, which boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world. 

Why it’s unique: Rodrigues is a hidden gem even among travelers to Mauritius, which sees relatively few tourists from the U.S.. The charming terminal is laid back like the island itself. Not to mention, it’s hard to beat the views on descent and the distinct topography of its lagoon and coastal shelf. 

Portland, Maine’s Jetport may not be the largest airport, but its approach offers some of the most picturesque vistas in New England with a good blend of natural and human-made beauty. 

Incoming flights often glide over the rugged Maine coastline, dotted with lighthouses and fishing boats, as well as the rolling forests of the Pine Tree State. The airport itself sets the tone for a visit to Portland, with a surprisingly good offering of lobster rolls and craft beer—so, a quintessentially New England experience. 

Why it’s unique: KPWM is known for its sustainability efforts and its cozy atmosphere (despite being a midsize city). Plus, its location makes it a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Maine’s stunning natural beauty. 

Orcas Island Airport is a small hub serving one of the most scenic destinations in the U.S. KORS, a favorite among local pilots, is located in the heart of the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest. 

The flight into KORS takes you over a patchwork of islands and the rocky Washington coast. On clear days (which are, granted, relatively rare), you can even see Mount Baker towering in the distance. 

Why it’s unique: Orcas Island is a destination for nature lovers, with hiking trails, whale-watching tours, and plenty of water sports. The airport’s size and surroundings make for a uniquely Pacific Northwest vibe. 

Flying into Sitka, Alaska, is an unforgettable experience, according to a number of pilots. The airport is located on Japonski Island and is surrounded by dramatic natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, evergreen forests, and the Pacific Ocean. The Alaskan landscape is otherworldly, especially to those of us from the Lower 48. 

Why it’s unique: The airport’s proximity to the wilderness makes it a starting point for fishing, hiking, and hunting, but the town is worth visiting regardless.

Sitka is steeped in history and culture, blending Indigenous Tlingit traditions with Russian colonial influences. After the U.S. purchased Sitka from Russia, the city was briefly Alaska’s state capital.  

Aitutaki is often described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and its airport is no exception. Located in the remote Cook Islands in the South Pacific, Aitutaki Airport is the poster child for the types of clear, blue lagoons you might see on Survivor.

Why it’s unique: The airport serves as the gateway to Aitutaki’s world-famous lagoon. This is an idyllic tropical paradise from just about every angle. The landing strip is exceptionally small, limiting the types of aircraft and the number of people who fly in—which means you’ll be part of an exclusive club. Just don’t fly in on Sunday!

Before you leave for your next adventure, don’t forget to check out custom gear from the FLYING Store. Hit the skies in style and rep your tail number or home airport when you depart the cabin.