The world's shortest commercial airport runway is located on the Dutch island of Saba, measuring just 401 metres in length. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport sits on the edge of a cliff, flanked by rocky drops and surrounded by the sea, making it one of the trickiest landings for pilots.
The runway can only accommodate small aircraft, such as the BN-2 Islander, due to its size. It is one of aviation's most famous approaches, with pilots specially trained for the route. The descent feels dramatic as the wheels hit the tarmac in just moments.
Saba, known as the Caribbean's 'Unspoiled Queen', is a special municipality of the Netherlands. It is a popular destination for adventurous trips involving hiking and diving. Most visitors fly from Sint Maarten, about 28 miles away, with Winair operating several flights daily that take just 12 to 15 minutes.
On approach, passengers enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic scenery, steep cliffs, coastline, and deep blue sea. The next shortest runway is Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Nepal, which has a steep gradient and mountain wall backdrop, forcing pilots to fully commit to landing.
