#trip38

Live the action hero dream! You may have no choice at these airports. Nerve-racking landings and nail-biting take offs await you. They will make you summon all the gods you know!

1. Qamdo Bamda Airport, Tibet

The second highest airport in the world, at 14000 feet above sea level, also has the world's longest runway. At that height it takes twice the usual length to bring the plane to a halt. The altitude also induces nausea and dizziness in travelers getting off.

2. Kai Tak Airport, Hong Kong

Surrounded by skyscrapers and mountains, the one runway it had was difficult to negotiate. It was shut down in 1998. One of the most challenging landings and a low-fly route made the airport a little too thrilling.

3. Ice Runway, Antarctica

You are literally treading thin ice when you get here. Pilots have to be careful they don't bust the ice or get stuck in the soft snow on landing. There are no paved runways.

4. Toncontin International Airport, Honduras

In a valley surrounded by mountains, there is only one way in and one way out for flights. It is only 6km from the centre of the city and pilots have to make a sharp turn prior to land on the runway. One can see why it has an abysmal record when it comes to crashes.

5. Maketane Air Strip, Lesotho

At the end of a 1365 feet runway lies a 600m drop. Into the river.

6. Gustaf III Airport, Saint Barthelemy

It has a 200m runway which is at the base of a gentle slope ending directly on the beach. Sunbathers are advised not to get too close to the runway.

7. Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal

One uphill runway on the side of a mountain. Sirens caution people each time a plane lands. A two thousand foot drop makes every landing a thriller. Once planes start their descent downhill, they either ascend into the blue sky or descend into the deep void.

8. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba Island

The extremely short 400m runway is flanked by high hills and ends with a drop into the sea. The highs and lows of travel, you wonder!

9. Paro Airport, Bhutan

Only 8 pilots in the world are certified to land here. The runway length is shorter than its height above sea level. Surrounded by the Himalayas, flights are only allowed in the daytime and on days of clear visibility.

10. Courchevel Airport, France

Navigating the French Alps. Uphill landing and downhill take-off. Sounds exciting? The 525m runway leaves no room for errors. The airport's lack of instrumentation makes things even more nail-biting. No wonder it made two appearances in the Bond movies.