Airports serve as the first impression travelers get of a country, and as such many aim to give guests a small taste of their destination. But some terminals go the extra mile to impress, offering glamorous or strange features that are more than worth the layover. Whether you’re a bonafide aerophile or just passing through, every avid traveler has experienced their fair share of airports. From airports perched at the edge of the Himalayas to those that just might be concealing UFOs, these are some of the quirkiest airports around the world.
Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
Possibly the most famous airport in the world, the Jewel Changi Airport in steamy Singapore is the perfect introduction to this pint-sized yet opulent country. Boasting incredible features like The Singapore Jewel waterfall, free movie theaters, and a butterfly garden, the Jewel Changi is truly the king of airports. In fact, the airport has become something of a destination in itself with additional attractions like the Canopy Park, Shiseido Forest Valley, Walking Net, and Mirror Maze. If their endless list of delicious restaurants, exciting experiences, and luxury shopping doesn’t impress, the Jewel Changi also hosts staggeringly beautiful weddings, takes visitors on tours throughout the facility, and even hosts the world’s tallest slide inside an airport. From getting lost watching the mesmerizing waterfall, to dining on mouth-watering chili crab, you may have a hard time pulling yourself away for your flight.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla, Nepal
Have you ever dreamt of climbing Mt. Everest? Maybe you desire just a glimpse instead of the death-defying feat of summiting Sagarmatha herself. First you’ll have to arrive via airplane to the world’s most dangerous airport, earning its nickname due to a short runway and treacherous geography. Precariously perched on a cliff at 9,337 feet in elevation, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Nepal was established and named for the first two people to summit Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Despite its worrying nickname, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport has only seen seven accidents since its zenith in 1964, and flights don’t take off unless conditions are perfect. In fact, many travelers are often stranded here due to weather more than anything else.
Denver Airport, Colorado, USA
If you’ve ever landed at Colorado’s Denver Airport, you may have been in the presence of aliens. The largest airport in the U.S. with the longest runway, DIA is a well-oiled machine and one of the largest flight hubs in the American West. But is its grandeur hiding something more? Some people think so, with rumors of UFOs peppering the airport's history. But aliens aren’t the only conspiracy theory surrounding this airport. It may also be a meeting place for secret organizations, home to a cursed horse statue, and has strange tunnels reserved for a “broken baggage system.” If you don’t get the chance to come face-to-face with extraterrestrials, you’ll still be awed by the beautiful architecture of Denver Airport, constructed to reflect the snow-capped Rocky Mountains in the distance.
Wellington Airport, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand’s airport might seem ordinary from the outside, but the inside conceals an incredible display of the nation's claim to fame, Lord of the Rings. Get your first taste of Middle Earth in the airport’s arrivals terminal with depictions of Gandalf riding the Giant Eagles, and the almighty Smaug the Magnificent looming over your head and between craggy rocks. Mind your head, as one of the eagles broke free during a large earthquake in 2014, coming to life in an unprecedented way. The journey in and out of Wellington Airport also happens to be a bumpy one due to frequent high winds and a rather short runway to boot. Getting into Mordor might be easier.
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Named the “Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax in 2021, the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is a sparkling oasis in this desert country. Its luxury offerings and amenities are world renowned, from the serene Vitality Pool and designer shopping to wellness spas and showers for weary travelers.
Visitors can’t miss the quirky yet iconic Untitled Lamp Bear, an art installation created by the Swiss artist Urs Fischer, housed in the departures terminal. It’s said that the giant ursid was created to give travelers a sense of cherished belongings waiting at home. The airport also features countless architectural wonders including a teardrop-shaped mosque, lunar crescent control tower, and a roof that represents sails from the famous Qatari dhow boats.
Juancho E. Yrausquin’s Airport, Saba, Caribbean
From the nausea-inducing airstrip in Lukla we now found ourselves at the shortest commercial runway in the world. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in tropical Saba is only 1,300 feet long, meaning pilots have no choice but a perfect landing, every flight. Only a few airline pilots in the world are trained to land at Saba’s airport.
The island is known for incredible diving and hiking up soaring peaks, including an active volcano, but visitors won’t be able to forget the hair-raising ride in, despite the breathtaking views of the glittering Caribbean surrounding the runway. Flights to Saba arrive from Sint Maarten, an island only 15 minutes away by plane. If you’re still craving more, aerophiles should be sure to visit Airplane Beach back on Sint Maarten to see planes up close and personal.
