Here are some of the world's most unusual airport runways, as identified by CNN travel experts, listed alphabetically.

Barra, Scotland: Landing on the beach

Located in the Outer Hebrides, Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled flights land on a beach, Traigh Mhor. Loganair is the sole operator, flying 19-seater planes on the 225 km route to Glasgow.

Pilots must time their landings with the low tide, touching down directly on the sand. Passengers then walk across the beach to the small terminal building tucked behind the dunes. Flight cancellations are common, but the experience of sitting close to the cockpit, even seeing the pilot's GPS screen, makes it a dream destination for aviation enthusiasts. Photo: Flickr

Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Leaving the airport by boat

Bora Bora Airport, built during World War II, is located on a small islet in the lagoon of this French Polynesian island. After collecting their luggage, passengers must take a boat to reach their hotels.

Don Mueang, Bangkok: A golf course between runways

Few airports in the world boast an 18-hole golf course nestled between two runways, like Don Mueang in Thailand. Golfers undergo the same security checks as passengers and are alerted by red lights when planes are landing.

While Suvarnabhumi Airport is now Bangkok's main gateway, Don Mueang, an airbase since 1914, remains a hub for budget airlines. It occasionally welcomes larger aircraft too, like the Emirates Airbus A380 that made an emergency landing in 2022. Photo: unbelievable-facts

Genoa, Italy: Almost touching the sea

With limited land available, Genoa built an artificial peninsula for Cristoforo Colombo International Airport. Landing here gives passengers the sensation of almost touching the sea before the runway appears at the last moment. For many, it's both a thrilling and memorable experience.

Gibraltar: Runway crossing a public road

Gibraltar Airport, also known as North Front Airport, is located in the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar on Spain's southern coast. It's the only civilian airport in the world where a public road crosses the runway. Police stop vehicles and pedestrians every time a plane takes off or lands. This unusual intersection has become a tourist attraction. Photo: Simply flying

Kansai, Japan: Runway in the sea

Located almost 5 km off the coast of Osaka, Kansai is one of the world's most unique airports, built on two joined artificial islands. Opened in 1994, it not only features a runway in the sea but also a terminal designed by architect Renzo Piano. Despite sinking 50 cm in its first year, Kansai has stabilized and become a popular destination, thanks to its children's play area, airport museum, and rooftop garden.

It's one of the few airports where journeys begin at a pier instead of by road. Air Tahiti and Air Moana operate flights, mainly using smaller aircraft. Photo: The Kansai Guide

Marshall Islands: Landing on a coral strip

Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, Marshall Islands, has a nearly 2.5 km runway built on a narrow sandbar in the Pacific Ocean. Due to its remote location, all materials for runway maintenance must be shipped from abroad. Photo: Islandsim

Nauru: Runway next to residential area

In the island nation of Nauru, the international airport's runway sits between houses and the coastline. The island's ring road intersects the runway ends, requiring vehicles to stop for landing aircraft—an experience both inconvenient and intriguing for visitors. Photo: Pinterest

Sumburgh, Scotland: Crossing the runway to reach an archaeological site

To reach Jarlshof, a prehistoric and Viking settlement considered one of Britain's greatest archaeological sites, visitors must cross Sumburgh Airport's runway. The only road in Lerwick town loops around the airport, intersecting the runway. Staff lower barriers during takeoffs and landings, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to cross when it's safe. Photo: Simply Flying

Velana, Maldives: Landing in turquoise waters

Velana International Airport, located on Hulhule Island next to the capital Male, offers breathtaking landings over crystal-clear waters. In addition to its main runway, over 3 km long, it has four seaplane runways serving resorts. With the expansion of the passenger terminal in 2025, Velana continues to be the gateway to the "island paradise" of the Maldives. Photo: Salingclick

Anh Minh (CNN)