Can you imagine we are still living in a world where there are five countries that are surviving without any airport? Well, that’s surprising right because in a place where air travel has become extremely necessary and basic. But these countries have defied the conventional modes of transportation and how!
There are a few countries in the world where there is simply no room for airports, and here are five of them:
Airports have become symbols of both economic and social progress. Wherever aviation takes off, prosperity and urban development follow a few decades later. As a means of transport, it has advantages that other means simply cannot offer. The speed, distance, and connections that planes and airports provide are unmatched.
Which is why it is so rare to find a country without an airport which instead uses other types of transport such as boats, trains or cars, for example, to solve its mobility needs. But there are a few countries in the world where there is simply no room for airports, and here are five of them:
Monaco
Monaco, the world’s second smallest nation after Vatican City, is surrounded by France on three sides and lacks its own airport. Visitors to Monaco must either take a taxi or board a boat after landing at France’s Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Vatican City
As the smallest country in the world with a population of about 800 residents, Vatican City’s compact size leaves no room for an airport. With no rivers or large bodies of water for alternative transportation, it’s one of the few nations that can be entirely explored on foot. Fortunately, nearby airports like Fiumicino and Ciampino are easily accessible, just a 30-minute train ride away.
Andorra
While not as small as some other countries, Andorra faces the geographical challenge of being entirely surrounded by the Pyrenees mountain range, with peaks nearly 3000 meters high. The risks and complexities of operating an airport at such altitudes have led Andorra to forego having its own airport. Instead, travelers can fly to nearby cities like Lérida, Barcelona, or Girona, all within a 200 km radius.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, characterized by rolling hills and gentle slopes, is another small nation with a perimeter of just under 75 km. Due to space constraints, building an airport in Liechtenstein would likely require encroaching on the territory of neighboring countries, crossing over the Rhine River to the east or nearing the Austrian mountains to the west. To avoid potential diplomatic conflicts, Liechtenstein opted against having an airport. Instead, residents rely on cars or buses to reach Zürich Airport, approximately 120 km away.
San Marino
Located near Vatican City, San Marino is one of the world’s oldest states. Surrounded by Italy and lacking access to the sea, San Marino’s small size also prevents it from having an airport. However, the country’s relatively flat terrain is crisscrossed by an extensive road network, making it easy for residents to access various parts of Italy. The nearest airport is in Rimini, Italy, which serves as a crucial transportation hub for both locals and visitors. Other nearby airports in Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Pisa also provide convenient access to the country.
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