Queenstown voted world's best runway view 2015
Queenstown Airport in New Zealand has been voted the world's most scenic airport landing in a new global poll.
The survey, conducted by the private jet booking service PrivateFly, asked a panel of international travel experts and travel fans for their most scenic airport landings in its annual survey, with the most votes this year going to the New Zealand airport.
See also: The world's best airports 2015
Queenstown came top out of 147 airports worldwide, beating the likes of Las Vegas, London City and Nice Cote d'Azur.
One voter commented: "I've flown to many beautiful locations worldwide but NOTHING even comes close to comparing with the thrill and beauty that stuns you as you come in to land at Queenstown."
Another said: "I had no words, just tears of awe and beauty when I landed here! It's completely enveloped by Mother Nature."
A panel of major names in the travel industry helped form the shortlist for the public vote, with Bill Prince, deputy editor of GQ magazine, nominating Queenstown. He commented: "A world class approach to a world class destination. The snatched panoramas as you descend into this hitherto barren-looking landscape makes you realise that pilots do get the best views."
Previous winners of the annual poll include Nice Cote D'Azur (2014); St Maarten in the Caribbean (2013) and Barra in Scotland's Outer Hebrides (2012).
Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly and an experienced pilot, comments: "Our poll has become an annual checklist for the well-travelled, and offers a fascinating mix of global descents. From iconic city views such as Las Vegas and London City; to tiny remote airstrips such as Saba in the Caribbean (the world's shortest commercial runway); and the unique beach landing at Barra in the Outer Hebrides.
"New Zealand's South Island has some of the most jaw-dropping natural scenery available anywhere in the world and Queenstown Airport's landing offers the perfect airside introduction. It has always been highly praised by our voters but this year claims the top spot – and deservedly so."
Queenstown Airport Corporation CEO Scott Paterson says it's fantastic international recognition for the airport, which serves as a direct gateway to some of New Zealand's most renowned scenery and visitor experiences.
"We have been in the Top 10 for the past few years so it's very exciting to take out the number one spot, especially given the beauty of the other airport approaches worldwide," he said.
"The approach to Queenstown over the snowcapped Southern Alps, pristine lakes and national parks is truly spectacular and inspiring. We're delighted that so many travellers around the world think so too!"
The top ten world's best runway views are:
Queenstown Airport, New Zealand
Las Vegas McCarran Airport, USA
Nice Cote D'Azur Airport, France
Barra Airport, Scotland, UK
St Maarten Airport (Princess Juliana International), Caribbean
Saba Airport (Juancho E Yrausquin), Caribbean
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada
Gibraltar Airport, UK
London City Airport, UK
Cape Town Airport, South Africa
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