Pacific

Pacific airports voted in world's top 10 most scenic

20:29 pm on 17 September 2020

French Polynesia Tahiti and Fiji have been voted in the 10 most scenic airports worldwide.

Bora Bora (Motu Mute) Airport in French Polynesia. Photo: Supplied/Krypianos Biris

The Bora Bora (Motu Mute) Airport in Tahiti and Nadi International Airport in Fiji are ranked 6th and 10th respectively in the 2020 PrivateFly Scenic Airport Poll.

The poll was conducted between February and March this year. Donegal Airport in Ireland was voted the most scenic in the world.

Bora Bora Airport opened in 1943 during WWII and was used commercially in 1958 after a reconstruction project following damages during the war.

A boat transfer is needed to reach the main island of Bora Bora from Motu Mute.

Air Tahiti is the only commercial airline to service the island.

Voters said they liked Bora Bora Airport because it is in the middle of a "turquoise blue lagoon, and beautiful, located on an island at the edge of the turquoise ocean between land and sky, and had incredible views over the crystal waters of Bora Bora".

Nadi Airport said it records more than 2.1 million international passengers and close to 300,000 domestic passengers annually.

It also said it handles over 1.3 million tons of freight, services 20 airlines and connects Fiji to 15 cities, internationally.

Nadi International Airport in Fiji. Photo: Supplied/Fiji Airports

Voters said Nadi Airport had "breathtaking views, natural beauty and tranquillity when landing".

Fiji Airports chair Geoffrey Shaw said in a statement, "we can proudly boast having one of the best scenic arrival and departure experiences in the world".

"The aviation industry is facing massive challenges in these demanding times with tourism and international air travel at a virtual standstill due to Covid-19," he said.

"Being rated in the Top 10 Most Scenic Airports Worldwide is a reminder of how Fiji's appeal is embraced by international travellers.

"We can't wait to welcome back our international visitors when travel resumes," Mr Shaw said.

Top 10 Scenic Airports 2020:

1. Donegal Airport - Ireland

2. Msembe Airstrip - Tanzania

3. Skiathos (Alexandros Papadiamantis) Airport - Greece

4. Orlando Melbourne International Airport - USA

5. Barra Airport - Scotland

6. Bora Bora (Motu Mute) Airport - French Polynesia

7. St Maarten (Princess Juliana) International Airport - St Maarten

8. Praslin Island Airport - Seychelles

9. Dubai International Airport - United Arab Emirates

10. Nadi International Airport - Fiji