Ever heard the expression “catching a flight” for your next getaway? Well, for a handful of unique countries, that idea doesn’t exactly apply — quite literally.
While airports today feel nearly as common as corner cafes, several nations have opted out of the aviation scene. They’re not dodging the modern world but have embraced other ways of welcoming travelers who don’t mind going the extra mile to visit. These places prove that, in a fast-paced, convenience-obsessed era, some destinations are worth a little extra effort.
1. Andorra
Tucked between Spain and France in the Pyrenees, Andorra is the largest nation by population and landmass without an airport. Despite covering only 468 square kilometers, it boasts breathtaking mountain landscapes, ski resorts, and duty-free shopping — yet not a single runway.
The region’s rugged mountains make constructing an airport both difficult and impractical. However, three heliports serve the country, including one dedicated to hospital emergencies.
Travelers typically arrive by air at nearby airports in neighboring countries. The nearest is Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport (LEU) in Spain, just 12 kilometers away. From there, visitors continue their journey by road, with the scenic trip itself becoming part of the adventure.
2. Liechtenstein
Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein spans just 160 square kilometers of Alpine terrain. Despite its prosperity and modern amenities, the country functions comfortably without an airport. It does, however, have a heliport in the southern town of Balzers for those preferring a touch of luxury upon arrival.
Most visitors opt to land at Switzerland’s Zürich Airport (ZRH) and then travel by train to nearby towns like Buchs or Sargans before catching a postal bus into Liechtenstein. Other smaller airports nearby, such as St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH) and Friedrichshafen Airport (FDH) in Germany, offer limited service. Remarkably, the country is so compact you could walk its entire width in just a few hours.
3. Monaco
Even with its famous Grand Prix and glitzy lifestyle, Monaco has no airport. Perhaps it’s fitting that a nation so obsessed with speed leaves planes out of the picture.
This playground for the rich and famous covers just 2.02 square kilometers along the French Riviera. With land so scarce that buildings stretch skyward, there’s simply no room for runways between its luxury high-rises and casinos.
Instead, Monaco relies on a heliport in the Fontvieille district, connecting visitors to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) in France — a short seven-minute helicopter ride away. Many travelers also choose private cars or coastal trains to arrive in style.
4. San Marino
Completely surrounded by Italy, San Marino proudly claims the title of the world’s oldest sovereign republic, established in 301 CE. Perched atop Mount Titano, this 61-square-kilometer country lacks an airport but maintains a heliport in Borgo Maggiore for special occasions.
San Marino also has a modest airfield called Torraccia, featuring a 680-meter grass runway. However, it only caters to emergency services and aviation enthusiasts, with no commercial flights operating there. The nearest major airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini, roughly 16 kilometers away, while Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), 130 kilometers away, handles more international traffic.
Given its ancient history and independence, San Marino’s preference for alternative arrival methods feels perfectly in character.
5. Vatican City
The planet’s tiniest sovereign nation, Vatican City, measures a mere 0.44 square kilometers within the heart of Rome — making an airport physically impossible. In fact, the entire country could comfortably fit inside most international airports with room to spare.
A heliport in the city’s western corner serves visiting dignitaries and Vatican officials. It has hosted a number of papal departures and arrivals, though Pope Francis famously prefers more humble transportation when possible.
Visitors typically fly into Rome’s two main airports: Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport (CIA) and Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, reaching St. Peter’s Square requires only a short drive or train ride. Since one can stroll across the Vatican in about 20 minutes, the absence of internal air travel poses no inconvenience.
6. Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati, pronounced “Kiribas,” stands out on this list. While its capital island of South Tarawa is served by Bonriki International Airport (TRW), most of the country’s remote outer islands lack any kind of air access.
This vast Pacific island nation, made up of 33 atolls and reef islands scattered across 3.5 million square kilometers of ocean, remains one of the least connected by air. When your country spans all four hemispheres and crosses the International Date Line, transportation naturally requires a different approach.
Ferries, cargo ships, and private boats act as the primary means of travel between islands, preserving the seafaring culture of its people.
Why Arrival Without Runways Still Matters
These six nations offer a compelling counterpoint to the airport-saturated world of modern travel. Their lack of conventional air access hasn’t isolated them — instead, it has allowed each to preserve its character and history while remaining connected in ways true to its identity.
For travelers tired of bustling terminals, security lines, and duty-free corridors, visiting these unique places presents a refreshing break from the ordinary. After all, not every arrival needs to begin with “baggage carousel number three” or end in a middle seat.
So, the next time you’re mapping out your travels and dreading the usual layovers, perhaps consider one of these runway-free destinations instead. Who needs to “fly directly” when your trip can begin with “Instagram stories that don’t involve flight delays” and cramped economy seats?
