Donegal in Ireland holds top spot for spectacular landings

Read this story in our FlipViewer digital magazine.

Online booking platform PrivateFly has released its annual Scenic Airports poll, which rates the globe's most picturesque landing spots. CEO Adam Twidell explains: “Some airports offer an aerial view that becomes reason enough to visit in itself, never mind what attractions await on the ground. Our poll presents a bucket list for travel fans, offering a mix of global descents to tick off in your lifetime. Some of these destinations are rapidly acquiring iconic status with aviation enthusiasts as a result.”

Donegal in Ireland came out on top, with Barra in Scotland second and Nice in France third. PrivateFly teamed up with a panel of travel experts to form the shortlist before the public vote, including travel writers Nigel Tisdall and Francesca Street, and aviation experts Johnny Jet and Doug Gollan. The PrivateFly Scenic Airports 2019 poll was conducted in February 2019 and received over 7,000 votes. A total of 129 different airports received nominations. Completing the top ten are Orlando Melbourne, Florida; Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean; Saba, Dutch Caribbean; Queenstown, New Zealand; Toronto Billy Bishop, Canada; London City, UK and Aosta, Italy.

Twidell continues: “Donegal's rugged coastal landscapes are truly awe-inspiring as you come into land. There is simply nowhere else like it, and its popularity with global travellers is clear.”

One voter adds “The Donegal view is spectacular! Mountains on one side and a beautiful rugged coastline dotted with islands and golden sandy beaches running adjacent to the runway.”

MD of Donegal airport Anne Bonner was delighted to retain the award, after finishing first in 2018 as well: “It is a great endorsement from the travelling public and aviation experts. Donegal airport is located in the heart of the Northern Headlands in Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, now top of the world's places to visit.”