Lord Howe Island has the most beautiful airport landing in the world—and the runway starts in the ocean

Experience the world’s most stunning airport landing at Lord Howe Island, where the runway begins at the ocean and welcomes you to a breathtaking island paradise. (Image: Lord Howe Island Board)

There’s a rare kind of magic in arriving at an airport that doubles as a stunning introduction to its destination. Lord Howe Island Airport, set in the turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, perfectly exemplifies this. Its runway begins right at the ocean’s edge and stretches across the island’s narrowest point, ending on golden sandy beaches. This dramatic approach makes landing here feel like the opening scene of a nature documentary, where breathtaking landscapes reveal themselves gradually as you descend.

This spectacular arrival experience earned Lord Howe Island Airport top honors in a March 2025 study by AllClear Travel Insurance. Using eye-tracking technology, the study assessed which airports around the world captivated viewers the most. Lord Howe Island’s runway, surrounded by crystal-clear water and lush volcanic terrain, drew the highest attention, standing out as the most visually stunning landing spot.

Lord Howe Island is not just about its airport. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique volcanic landscapes and rare ecosystems. To protect its fragile environment and endemic species, the island limits visitors to just 400 at a time. Access is only possible by air, making the airport a vital gateway—and part of the island’s extraordinary appeal.

The airport was constructed in 1974 by the Australian Army Corps of Engineers, marking the end of Sydney’s flying boat service. Today, it serves as an essential hub for the local community and tourists, operated by the Lord Howe Island Board. The facility adheres to stringent security and biosecurity regulations to safeguard the island’s natural heritage.

Strategically, Lord Howe Island, along with Norfolk Island to the east, functions as a key transit and refueling point for light aircraft flying between Australia and New Zealand. Positioned approximately 600 km west of the Australian mainland and 900 km east of Norfolk Island, these islands enable planes with limited range to navigate the vast distances across the Tasman Sea. Beyond Norfolk Island, aircraft can continue on to New Zealand, New Caledonia, and even farther into the South Pacific, reaching islands such as Vanuatu and Fiji.

The airport itself lies just 17 feet (5 meters) above sea level and features a single runway measuring 886 by 30 meters (2,907 by 98 feet). Its location and design make it not only a functional necessity but also one of the world’s most beautiful places to land.

For travelers seeking a journey that’s as memorable as the destination, Lord Howe Island Airport offers an arrival experience unlike any other—a visual feast that perfectly sets the tone for exploring this remote island paradise.