Off the grid: 5 fascinating countries with no airports!
No airports? No sweat! These amazing places are still at the top of everyone's travel bucket lists!
- Jayati
- 09 July, 2024
- 2 mins ago

Off the grid: 5 fascinating countries with no airports!
No airports? No sweat! These amazing places are still at the top of everyone's travel bucket lists!
In today's globalised world, where air travel is the norm, it's fascinating to discover that there are still countries where airports don't exist. These nations rely solely on roads and waterways for transportation, making each trip an adventure that begins with crossing borders to catch a flight. Intrigued? Let's explore these five remarkable countries where air travel isn't just rare—it's non-existent.
Monaco
Monaco, the jewel of the French Riviera, surprises travellers with its lack of an airport despite its glamorous reputation. Instead, visitors often opt for helicopter or yacht arrivals, adding a dash of luxury to their Mediterranean adventure. Those flying in usually land at the nearby Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France, followed by a breathtaking coastal drive that winds through stunning vistas en route to Monaco's vibrant cityscape.
Andorra
Andorra, despite being the largest country without an airport, boasts three private heliports, including one at a hospital. Travellers to Andorra typically rely on nearby Spanish airports like Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell, Lleida-Alguaire, and Girona-Costa Brava, or French airports such as Carcassonne and Perpignan-Rivesaltes. For international travel, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France serve as convenient gateways, offering seamless connections to this picturesque mountainous enclave.
Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, nestled between Austria and Switzerland, enchants visitors with its mediaeval castles, stunning alpine vistas, and charming villages connected by scenic trails. Despite its compact size and absence of airports, Liechtenstein seamlessly connects to neighbouring countries for air travel. Travellers often fly into Zurich or St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport in Switzerland, or Friedrichshafen Airport in Germany, then embark on a picturesque journey through rolling hills and mountain passes to reach this principality. The combination of historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes makes Liechtenstein a hidden gem accessible through a captivating journey from its neighbouring airports.
Nauru
Nauru, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, once operated its own airport for international flights, but it ceased operations. Today, travellers must fly to Brisbane, Australia, and then take a connecting flight to Nauru. Despite its geographical isolation, Nauru's allure lies in its pristine beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and untouched tropical landscapes. Visitors are drawn to its unique cultural heritage and the opportunity to explore its natural beauty, making it a destination unlike any other in the Pacific.
San Marino
San Marino, nestled on a rugged mountain and surrounded by Italy, has a rich history and amazing views that attract visitors worldwide. Surprisingly, this UNESCO World Heritage site doesn't have its own airport. Its 33,000 residents live in one of the world's richest countries, with a high GDP per capita. But they rely on nearby Italy for air travel, which is quite interesting given their affluent lifestyle.
Imagine countries where bustling airports are nearby but the need for a local one isn't pressing. Then there are those tiny islands or places where building an airport is a huge challenge due to limited resources or geography. Despite these hurdles, these countries still manage to attract global travellers with their unique charm and stunning landscapes. It's a reminder that travel isn't just about airports—it's about the stories and experiences each destination offers, whether they have runways or not.