These are officially Asia's most gorgeous airport landings
Forget the aisle seat – the window seat is where it's at. You get extra privacy, a surface to lean on to sleep, and most importantly, an incredible view when you land at your destination.
However, not all airport landings are created equal. To determine the views worth snagging a window seat for, travel insurance firm AllClear gathered 100 participants to look at images of 32 airports known for their gorgeous landings. Analysts then used eye-tracking technology to see which airport landings caught participants' eyes the quickest and held their attention the longest, cross-referencing the two to determine the final ranking.
The most stunning airport landing in Asia? Paro Airport in Bhutan, ranked No. 8 on the list. It's not hard to see why – this airport is flanked by two 5,000-metre-tall mountains, where majestic dzongs (Bhutanese fortresses) perch. An impressive range covered in lush forest (or powdery snow in winter) stretches into the distance.
Only one other Asian airport made it to AllClear's list: Lukla Airport in Nepal at joint No. 10. Surprise, surprise! It's another Himalayan country, which means more drop-dead gorgeous views of stupendous snow-capped mountains from your airplane window. In fact, there's a massive mountainous wall off one end of the runway and a steep drop into a valley off the other.
Fun fact: Paro Airport and Lukla Airport's spectacular terrain make them among the most challenging airport landings in the world. Only a handful of pilots have the special training to navigate the airports' short runways, high elevation, and unpredictable weather. What's more, pilots have to stick the landing manually, without the help of air navigation or radar systems. Knowing this, perhaps it's worth uttering a little prayer even as you keep your eyes wide open to take in those breathtaking aerial views.
The most beautiful airport landings in the world:
1. Lord Howe Island Airport, Australia (85 points)
2. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand (79 points)
3. Madeira Airport, Portugal (77 points)
= Pitkin County Airport, United States of America (77 points)
5. Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport, Brazil (76 points)
= London City Airport, United Kingdom (76 points)
7. Innsbruck Airport, Austria (74 points)
8. Paro Airport, Bhutan (72 points)
9. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Caribbean Netherlands (69 points)
10. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, United States of America (68 points)
= Lukla Airport, Nepal (68 points)
12. Seychelles International Airport, Seychelles (65 points)
= Telluride Regional Airport, United States of America (65 points)
= Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, France (65 points)
15. Wellington International Airport, New Zealand (60 points)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
I spent a night at the luxury hotel where Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds stay on Wrexham visits
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The minute you drive through the entrance to Carden Park Hotel and Spa you know you're arriving somewhere special. Set in acres of lush grounds, as you wind along the tree-lined driveway with a beautfully manicured golfing green beside you, as well as water features and wildlife (we spotted a swan and her babies), any cares will be relinquished long before you reach the building itself. In fact it's so special that it's a favourite destination for Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively when they visit the football team he co-owns, Wrexham FC - and they can often be seen entertaining their famous friends there too. And why wouldn't they? Carden Park is about nine miles from Wrexham and has 197 stunning bedrooms (currently undergoing a major makeover) including four luxury suites, a newly-refurbished leisure club, two championship golf courses and award-winning restaurants including The Vines which offers a fine-dining tasting menu. There's also a vineyard and a new £10m spa with one of the largest spa gardens in the UK, which wouldn't look out of place in the Maldives or on a Caribbean island. (Image: James Devaney, GC Imagesvia Getty Images) READ MORE:I tried a tiny restaurant overlooking a Welsh beach and discovered the best Asian fusion food for miles After a quick and seemless check-in we took the lift to our room. During our stay the ongoing refurbishment was evident in the upper corridor as one half was light and airy with plush new carpet and contemporary pale wooden doors while the other half was a little dated. Our refurbished room overlooking the sculpture garden at the front was elegant but homely in shades of blue with floor to ceiling curtains and an ensuite featuring a huge walk-in shower. (Image: Carden Park) It's always the little touches that count and as well as the complimentary teas and coffees and luxury toiletries, a little plate had been left on the side with a selection of homemade chocolates and a welcome message. (Image: Karen Price) We decided to explore and our first port of call was Morgan's Bar where you can enjoy a drink and watch sport on the large TVs. There's also a terrance overlooking the front lawn so we took our drinks outside to people watch before having a walk through the grounds, taking in the sculpture garden featuring a diverse collection of artwork from leading sculptors and the vineyard which produces up to 10,000 bottles of Carden Park Estate Reserve sparkling wine each year from the two grape varieties grown. (Image: Karen Price) Back inside we had a quick change before heading to The Vines where we had a reservation. Before their meal, guests can relax in Goldie's cocktail bar opposite the restaurant with a drink and some snacks as they look through the menu. The surroundings are glamorous but not stuffy with comfy chairs and sofas, a beautiful golden ornate ceiling, low lighting, potted plants and large windows opening up onto a terrace. A pianist was playing background music in the corner adding to the chilled vibe. (Image: Carden Park) After about 30 minutes of relaxing, we were called into The Vines, which had a similar atmosphere to Goldie's, and we were shown into a corner seat where we would be enjoying the tasting menu (you can go for meat, fish or vegetarian options), which costs £105pp and you can add a wine flight for £90pp. The Vines, which has three AA Rosettes and is available as a private dining venue, is led by Executive Chef Graham Tinsley and Head Chef Harri Williams and also offers an a la carte menu. (Image: Carden Park) After being offered a choice of bread (olive sourdough for me) it was straight onto the first dish, Confit Carrot which had a lovely little kick thanks to its Asian dressing while the miso cracker added a crunch. The second course was Chicken Raviolo with Morrel mushrooms, pea salsa, chervil and wild garlic sauce, which was probably my favourite savoury course. The salsa was smooth and silky while the mushrooms gave the dish texture. Next up was a Crab Tartlet which also featured Japanese seaweed Nori, cucumber, Carden gin, smoked crab emulsion, apple and marigold. As well as being as pretty as a picture, it was really light and refreshing. (Image: Karen Price) Fourth to arrive was Welsh Hogget served rare with with asparagus, baby gem, black garlic puree, hogget belly bacon, crispy sweetbreads, sheep's yoghurt and a light jus. My partner isn't a fan of lamb but he was able to swap for Roasted Monkfish from the fish menu - which he says was his favourite dish of all. Served with seared scallop, togarashi cauliflower and spring onion, the fish was succulent and covered in a delicious creamy sauce. (Image: Karen Price) Why have one dessert when you can have two and that's what you got here. The first offering was Raspberry and Amalfi Lemon which was a lemon iced parfait with raspberry curd, lemon Madeline and raspberry sorbet and every bit as light and refreshing as it sounds. But my favourite was the Dark Chocolate Mousse which had a beetroot sponge, mascarpone, cocoa nib crumb and beetroot sorbet. Yes you read that right - who would have thought the humble earthy vegetable could be the basis of one of the best puddings I've tasted. The combination with the rich dark chocolate was simply delightful. There is also the option of a cheese board for a £5 supplement or as an additional course for £17 featuring a selection of cheeses, grapes and celery with jam. To finish off, you can enjoy a coffee with a selection of petit fours just like the ones that were left in our room, which we just about managed after all those lovely courses. While we dined like kings - or Hollywood royalty - the next morning we were up early ready to sample the hotel's breakfast, which features full English and continental choices, and after a little breather we headed to the spa. (Image: Carden Park) Housed in a new building a stone's throw from the main hotel, the spa (strictly for over 18s) is quite literally out of this world. From elaborate interiors to a breathtaking garden that features hot tubs, a pool, relaxation pods and a sauna with floor to ceiling windows looking across the Cheshire countryside, this is chilling at its best. There's also a variety of treatments on offer, from facials to foot and scalp rituals and manicures. I chose the Rejuvenating Ritual (£109 for 50 minutes) which combined a back, neck and shoulder massage with a facial. Bliss. Before heading home we enjoyed lunch in the spa restaurant overlooking the gardens which offers a selction of healthy options including all day brunches, sandwiches and wraps, salads and lighter bites. All of the facilities at Carden Park - from the bedrooms to the restaurants and spa - are exceptional and the staff are super friendly and helpful. Leaving the resort after our 24-hour stay we felt relaxed, pampered - and definitely like Hollywood royalty.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Major US fast food chain to open in Heathrow airport
Heathrow Airport has announced plans to open a new Five Guys restaurant, in a European first. Set to launch in Terminal 5 – which has been temporarily renamed 'Terminal Five Guys' for the occasion – the popular American chain is making its debut at the UK's busiest airport later in 2025. Five Guys opened its first UK restaurant back in 2013, but this will mark its first venture into any airport in either the UK or Europe. Located on the terminal's upper level, the 2,500-square-foot burger joint is expected to seat around 90 diners, as well as offering a takeaway service for travellers on the go. With opening times spanning from the first to last flight each day, it'll also feature a special menu tailored to passengers dealing with jet lag and navigating time zone shifts. Although the exact details have yet to be revealed, the chain has confirmed that breakfast options will be available to order throughout the day, alongside Five Guys' signature burgers, hot dogs and hand-cut fries. The restaurant is expected to create between 80 and 100 new jobs, and will include ordering kiosks in six languages. 'We are thrilled to be opening a brand new Five Guys at Heathrow Terminal 5 this year,' John Eckbert, CEO of Five Guys UK said. 'Having opened over 170 restaurants across the UK since we first launched back in 2013, the brand has established itself as one of the nation's favourites for premium burgers. 'Now Five Guys is cementing itself at the UK's busiest travel hub; we are excited to be providing our delicious menu to travellers as part of their journeys.' The American fast food chain was founded in Virginia in 1986 and opened its first UK location in Covent Garden in 2013. Travellers can find the restaurant at several major US airports and Dubai International Airport, which opened last year to become the first Five Guys airport location outside North America. More Trending Heathrow saw around 81 million passengers pass through in 2024 and is targeting a record 84.2 million in 2025. Terminal 5, the main base for British Airways, is the busiest airport terminal in Europe, and plans for expansion are already underway. Holidaymakers aren't the only ones being treated to new fast food spots though, so you don't need a boarding pass to get your fix. Parisian burger joint Dumbo is opening its first ever UK site very soon, while an Asian dessert chain called Mammy Pancake also hit British shores earlier this month. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: 'Stupid' Apple Pay prank plagues commuters on London Tube MORE: People stuck in 26-storey tower block after lifts broke only offered £100 voucher MORE: Three men appear in court accused of arson attacks on properties linked to Keir Starmer
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
The first batch of the world's best restaurants has been revealed for 2025
Each year, the World's 50 Best announces a list of the top 50 restaurants on the planet, and for 2025 that will take place at a ceremony in Turin on June 19. But 50? That's hardly very many spots to allocate when there are so many fantastic restaurants out there. Luckily, there's an extended version of the list – 50 restaurants that didn't quite make the final cut, but can very proudly say they're in the top 100 on the planet. Ahead of announcing the official top 50, the guide has just released the 51-100 best restaurants in the world right now. Among the inclusions is La Colombe, a stunning fine-dining institution near Cape Town, nestled in the Silvermist organic wine estate, which overlooks the Constantia Valley. Here you'll find a menu of classy plates influenced by Asian cuisine and created with French techniques. Over in the heart of São Paulo you'll find Tuju, a breezy, contemporary restaurant led by chef Ivan Rolston, where you can indulge in a decadent 10-course menu – which, according to World's 50 Best, 'pays homage to Brazil 's distinct seasons, showcasing locally sourced ingredients through creative techniques.' Then there's Burnt Ends, an iconic Singaporean restaurant where pretty much all the dishes on the menu are flame-cooked. Salivating? Same – check out the rest of the top 100 below. These are the world's best restaurants, from 51-100 Alcalde, Guadalajara, Mexico Schloss Schauenstein, Fürstenau, Switzerland Den, Tokyo, Japan El Chato, Bogotá, Colombia La Colombe, Cape Town, South Africa Jordnær, Copenhagen, Denmark Onjium, Seoul, South Korea Restaurant Tim Raue, Berlin, Germany Nobelhart & Schmutzig, Berlin, Germany Pujol, Mexico City, Mexico Nuema, Quito, Ecuador Willem Hiele, Oudenburg, Belgium Bozar, Brussels, Belgium Fu He Hui, Shanghai, China Quique Dacosta, Dénia, Spain Saint Peter, Sydney, Australia Arca, Tulum, Mexico Masque, Mumbai, India Hiša Franko, Kobarid, Slovenia Tuju, São Paulo, Brazil Sazenka, Tokyo, Japan Chef Tam's Seasons, Macau, China Tantris, Munich, Germany Mountain, London, UK Mil, Cusco, Peru Leo, Bogotá, Colombia Le Doyenné, Saint-Vrain, France Cocina Hermanos Torres, Barcelona, Spain Coda, Berlin, Germany SingleThread, Healdsburg, USA Oteque, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fyn, Cape Town, South Africa A Casa do Porco, São Paulo, Brazil Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa María, Spain Txispa, Atxondo, Spain The Clove Club, London, UK Mugaritz, San Sebastián, Spain Salsify at the Roundhouse, Cape Town, South Africa Huniik, Mérida, Mexico Le Bernardin, New York, USA Koan, Copenhagen, Denmark Al Gatto Verde, Modena, Italy Burnt Ends, Singapore, Singapore Meet the Bund, Shanghai, China Evvai, São Paulo, Brazil Atelier Crenn, San Francisco, USA Labyrinth, Singapore, Singapore César, New York, USA Amisfield Restaurant, Queenstown, New Zealand Neolokal, Istanbul, Türkiye Did you see that the best pizzerias in Europe have been crowned for 2025?
