6 countries where planes don’t land

Around the world, six countries maintain connectivity without having airports for planes to land, relying instead on roads, rail, or sea transport. Despite the rise of global air travel and the growing demand for faster connections, these nations have adapted to local conditions such as geography, terrain, and size.

Travelers typically enter these countries through neighboring nations or coastal points. The absence of airports has not prevented access or mobility, showing that air travel is not essential for national connection. Their continued operation without commercial runways highlights how transport infrastructure can be shaped by practical solutions and alternative modes of travel.

According to Aviation A2Z, here are six countries where planes do not land directly within their borders:

1. Andorra

Nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra covers 468 square kilometres but does not have an airport. Its mountainous terrain makes building a commercial airport difficult.

The country has three private heliports for medical and private services. Most travelers fly into nearby airports in Spain or France, with Andorra-La Seu d’Urgell Airport (LEU) in Spain just 12 kilometres from the border. From there, visitors continue by road along scenic mountain routes.

2. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked nation between Switzerland and Austria, spans 160 square kilometres and has no airport. It does have a heliport in the town of Balzers.

Visitors generally arrive via Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Switzerland, then take a train to Buchs or Sargans before crossing the border by bus. Other nearby airports include St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH) in Switzerland and Friedrichshafen (FDH) in Germany, though they have fewer flight connections.

3. Monaco

Monaco, located on the French Riviera, has no airport within its 2.02 square kilometres. The country’s limited land makes large infrastructure projects like an airport impossible.

Monaco operates a heliport in the Fontvieille district. Most visitors fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), about 30 kilometres away, and reach Monaco by helicopter, car, or train along the scenic coastal route.

4. San Marino

San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, is entirely surrounded by Italy and covers 61 square kilometres. It has no airport, though a heliport in Borgo Maggiore serves limited use, and a small airstrip at Torraccia accommodates amateur pilots and emergency services, but not commercial flights.

Visitors usually fly into Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) in Rimini, Italy, about 16 kilometres away, or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) for more international flight options.

5. Vatican City

Vatican City, the world’s smallest country by area and population, occupies just 0.44 square kilometres within Rome. Its size makes an airport impossible.

A heliport in the western part of the city serves official Vatican travel. Most visitors arrive via Rome’s airports—Ciampino (CIA) or Fiumicino (FCO)—and continue to the Vatican by road. Given its compact size, walking across Vatican City takes under 30 minutes, making internal air travel unnecessary.

6. Kiribati

Kiribati is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, comprising 33 atolls and reef islands scattered over 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean. While Bonriki International Airport (TRW) serves the capital, South Tarawa, most outer islands lack airports.

Sea transport is essential for travel between islands, with ferries, cargo ships, and private boats providing connectivity. Due to the vast oceanic spread, air access outside the capital remains extremely limited.

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