We cover the best airports, the worst airports, the most connected airports and those plagued by technical issues… so let’s take a look at the most unusual, creative and unique facilities from around the world.
If you and your group are traveling to or passing through any of the following locations, this could be your lucky day (or night).
Singapore Jewel Changi Airport
You’ll pray for a stop at: Jewel Changi Airporta veritable playground of attractions including a suspended “walking net” (as well as a stretch net for children); two walking mazes – mirrors and hedges; a canopy bridge suspended above lush plants and trees; and grandeur of Shiseido Forest Valley allows visitors to stroll through a real forest garden. The centerpiece of Jewel Hotel is an indoor waterfall that cascades from seven floors up, bathing in sunlight during the day and surrounded by lights and music at night.
No wonder Jewel Changi has a corporate events department, offering spaces such as Changi Experience Studio for corporate team-building, meetings and social events. Another event space features a 40-foot-long balcony with unobstructed views of the HSBC Rain Vortex. Additional function spaces include an elegant suite for private events.
Gibraltar International Airport
Known as the fifth extreme AIRPORT In the world via the History Channel, Gibraltar International Airportactually crosses one of the main roads into the city – Winston Churchill Avenue – where motorists must wait at traffic lights for planes to land. Overlooking the sea and famous rocks Gibraltar In the British Overseas Territory of the same name, the airport is known for its disturbing landings on its narrow strip.
Gibraltar International Airport’s storied history includes an incident in 2017 when a Royal Gibraltar Police vehicle drove onto the runway and intercepted a flight carrying criminals trying to escape. The standoff caused a two-hour delay for anyone needing to cross the Winston Churchill Avenue runway.
While once considered an inconvenience, officials have come to view the unusual runway as a tourist attraction, with the airport’s website saying visitors to Gibraltar deliberately use the road to enter the city. However, they issued a warning to those seeking to take photos. “Of course, locations near air traffic control provide excellent selfie and photo opportunities, but we must remember that the area is an active runway,” an airport statement said.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
You know how some airport hotels can be a little…eh? Not in Stockholm with Arlanda Airport Jumbo Accommodationis a hotel built inside a converted 747 aircraft, with a café, meeting rooms and guest rooms for up to three adults. Some rooms have private bathrooms, but just like on a real plane, you may have to share facilities. They also offer four-person dormitory bunk options as well as luxury suites in the remodeled cockpit with panoramic airport views.
Saba Juancho Iraucán Airport
The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, believed to have the shortest commercial runway in the world and known for its mountainous terrain and cliffs, has Juancho Iraucán Airport On the only flat piece of land on the island.
The strip of asphalt is only 1,300 feet long, with only 900 feet of usable space and a runway not much longer than an aircraft carrier. Needless to say, flying to Saba is not for the faint of heart, although thrill seekers may be interested to know that there are sheer cliffs at either end of the runway. Maybe a ferry option?
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
A rainforest in the middle of the desert? This is not a mirage. The orchard is located in Hamad International Airport Doha’s airport has more than 300 trees and more than 25,000 plants and shrubs, selected and brought to the airport from sustainable forests in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and elsewhere. Protecting this indoor rainforest is a column-free canopy made of high-performance glass, designed to filter and control light to promote plant growth and health.
But Hamad International doesn’t stop there. There are huge art installations throughout the hall, including the famous Lamp Bear – as the name suggests, a giant (23-foot-tall) bronze teddy bear sitting inside a lamp, created by Swiss artist Urs Fisher. If you anticipate a longer stay, Hamad offers a 30-minute tour of all facilities. However, please allow some time to browse the shopping gallery with over 90 shops and boutiques.
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