1. Sion airport Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the approach to Sion airport takes you down the Rhone valley. 2. St Maarten – Princess Juliana airport The Princess Juliana airport on the island of St Maarten (Saint Martin) is exceptionally close to the beach, with private jet aircraft and airliners literally skimming over the heads of holidaymakers. 3. St Barts airport The approach to St Barts is thrilling: With very tight angles, hills, unusual wind conditions and the short runway to negotiate, there’s little margin for error. Only the most qualified and highly-trained pilots can land there. 4. Gibraltar airport The runway is actually intersected by a main road which has to be closed every time a plane lands or departs. The rock of Gibraltar looms large on the stunning approach, causing unusual wind patterns and turbulence. 5. St Gallen-Altenrhein airport St Gallen-Altenrhein has an idyllic setting between Lake Constance and the alpine foot hills of the Appenzell region in Switzerland. 6. Madeira Funchal airport The runway at Madeira’s Funchal airport was rebuilt in 2000 to include a stunning bridge-like extension with 180 supporting pillars over the Atlantic, providing both a dramatic view and additional car parking (underneath!). 7. London City airport As the closest airport to London’s city centre, the approach to London City airport provides a highly scenic approach over world-famous London landmarks. 8. Lukla airport Arriving at Lukla airport in Nepal by private charter propeller aircraft is an exhilarating experience, involving a 10-minute approach down a steep-sided valley followed by a sharp left-hand turn and an uphill landing. 9. Las Vegas McCarran airport The aerial approach to Las Vegas is a truly spectacular one, offering the contrast of desert with a sudden metropolis, unrivalled for sheer size and glamour. 10. Barra airport Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled aircraft land on a beach. Commenting on the top ten airport approaches, Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly.com, and an experienced pilot, said: “Over the years, I have experienced many different airports, but the ones I have selected here are highly memorable. “Many cater to both airlines and private jet charter but some are only accessible by smaller, propeller aircraft. There is no doubt that the viewing experience at any airport is significantly enhanced in a private jet or propeller aircraft. The cabin is open to the flight deck with no closed door, so you have a panoramic view rather than just a tiny window on one side. In fact, a private jet or propeller aircraft charter brings back the glamour of flying – a reminder that a journey by air can be a life-enhancing experience it itself, rather than the often painful ‘A to B’ approach of airline travel.”