Three of the world’s most beautiful airport landings are in the U.S.

There’s something magical about descending from the clouds and watching your holiday destination unfold beneath you. Whether it’s the turquoise ocean, dramatic skylines or towering mountain peaks, certain airports offer a truly unforgettable welcome. To find the most breathtaking runways, a recent study by AllClear Travel Insurance measured how quickly and how long participants focused on various airport landings—revealing the world’s most visually stunning arrivals. Two landings in the U.S. made the top ten.

Australia proves to be a stunning place for arrivals, securing the number one spot. At Lord Howe Island Airport, planes glide over brilliant blue waters and rugged coastlines. Queenstown Airport in New Zealand takes second place with its cinematic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.

The U.S. makes its debut at number three, with Pitkin County Airport in Colorado. For this landing, snowy Rocky Mountains greet visitors en route to Aspen. The U.S. entry scored an impressive 77 out of 100 for its visual appeal, and its mountainous terrain means every arrival is a scenic adventure.

At number 10 is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Hawaii. This tropical arrival offers passengers a surreal experience—flying over endless blue before gently touching down beside the sea. Not far behind, and still in the top 20, is Telluride Regional Airport, another Colorado stunner.

A beautiful landing marks the start of a beautiful vacation (or an amazing welcome home if you're lucky enough to live in these places). Find the full list here.

Most beautiful airport landings in the world

1. Lord Howe Island Airport, Australia
2. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand
3. Madeira Airport, Portugal
4. Pitkin County Airport, USA
5. Rio de Janeiro–Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil
6. London City Airport, United Kingdom
7. Innsbruck Airport, Austria
8. Paro Airport, Bhutan
9. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean Netherlands
10. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, USA
11. Lukla Airport, Nepal
12. Seychelles International Airport, Seychelles
13. Telluride Regional Airport, USA
14. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, France
15. Wellington International Airport, New Zealand
16. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada
17. Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar
18. Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba
19. Donegal Airport, Ireland
20. Narsarsuaq Airport, Greenland