Undiscovered Jewels: Unanticipated Nations Lacking Aviation Hubs
Taking Flight:
Air travel is crucial for connecting countries worldwide, making those with airports more Commercially and Culturally Viable. The immediate question arises: Are there countries in our vast globe bereft of airports?
One might think about countries in the farthest, least developed regions of Africa or even remote pockets of Asia. However, you'd be mistaken. The unique case of countries without airports exists solely within the European continent. As you ponder it, the answer becomes glaringly obvious – these lands are surprisingly small in size. It appears that limited geographical area is to blame, hence the absence of airports.
Andorra
Sandwiched between Spain and France, Andorra earns the title of the largest country with no airport. Boasting an approximate area of 468 square kilometers, Andorra has a population of around 80,000 (estimated 2018). Barcelona, Spain, and Toulouse, France, host the nearest airports, mere three hours' drive from the heart of Andorra. The nation counts three helipads in La Massana, Arinsal, and Escaldes-Engordany.
Liechtenstein
A landlocked gem nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein covers a modest 160 square kilometers with an estimated population of 35,000. The Zurich Airport in Switzerland takes the prize as the nearest major airport, a comfortable 130 kilometers from Liechtenstein's border. Liechtenstein has a helipad located in Balzers.
Monaco
Bordering France on three sides and the Mediterranean on one, Monaco is a tiny city-state on the French Riviera. With an area of just 2.02 square kilometers and a population of about 36,371, it is the second smallest country in the world. The Côte d'Azur Airport in Nice, France, is the closest airport. A helipad in Monaco's Fontvieille region is also available.
San Marino
An enclave surrounded entirely by Italian land, San Marino occupies roughly 61 square kilometers, with an estimated population exceeding 30,000. The Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy, stands as the nearest airport. San Marino has a private airstrip in Torraccia and an international helipad in Borgo Maggiore.
Vatican City
Unique as the smallest country on Earth, Vatican City encompasses merely 44 hectares and a populace of approximately 840 individuals. Positioned entirely within Rome, the capital of Italy, this enclave doesn't boast an airport or motorway. The Vatican City Helipad, reserved for the Pope and visiting heads of state, is their primary mode of air transport.
As you journey through tales of these nations, remember to navigate the diverse landscapes of our fascinating world[3].
[1] National Geographic
[2] San Marino Tourism
[3] World Atlas
Andorra, a tiny nation located between Spain and France, maintains its status as the largest country in the world without an airport, relying instead on helipads for travel. Similarly, Liechtenstein, lying nestled between Switzerland and Austria, covers only 160 square kilometers and utilizes a helipad in Balzers for travel due to the absence of an airport. These observations highlight how travel and lifestyle can be significantly affected within these minimally sized countries despite their strategic locations.
