These 5 Tiny Countries Don't Have Any Airports

It would come as a surprise to some to realize that there are countries with no airports. These are not disputed territories; however, they are fully independent, sovereign states, which are even members of the United Nations (UN). 

1. Liechtenstein

The tiny nation snuggled in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland has long been the subject of their own rules. For example, their stand-in military during the Austo-Prussian war went off to combat and came back with an additional soldier, as they made a friend along the way who chose to join them.

The country, located in a valley, actually can create an airport, but elects not to in order to preserve the tranquility of the area. They are no ICAO members, however they do delegate any aerospace UN decision votes to that of Switzerland. The country does have one Heliport in the south of the country in Balzers. The main airport used for any emergency services is the St. Gallen–Altenrhein Airport (ACH).

2. Andorra

Andorra is the largest nation to not have any airports, as it has approximately 80,000 total residents. Similar to Liechtenstein, Andorra is tucked into the Pyrenees mountains in between two nations: Spain and France. The nation has three private helipads, including one that is used by the presiding Principality. 

Although they have the landmass available for a short runway, weather conditions and geographic locations make an Andorran-based airport difficult. The Andorra–La Seu d'Urgell Airport (LEU) shares the namesake, however, it is entirely in Spanish territory.

3. Monaco

The lavish country of Monaco is more known for supercars and luxury boats than aviation — and rightfully so — with only a singular helipad providing any air-related transit. Bordered by France on all sides, Monaco sits on the side of a rocky cliff. With every inch of the state accounted for, no room is left for an airport.

Specifically, Monaco is building into the Mediterranean for additional landmass. The lack of airport sees the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) in France as the primary mode of air travel into the region. Although it would be cool to see a hybrid Cessna, the rough ocean waters make this difficult.

4. Vatican City

The last state without an airport is the Vatican. The smallest nation by size and population globally, the Holy Sites in the country are only accessible by foot or by using the singular, small-use helipad. As Italy completely surrounds the Vatican, access to the small state can only be obtained using one of Rome's many airports.

Honorable Mention: San Marino

San Marino, also engulfed by Italy, is a tiny, historic state in the Western part of Italy. The nation has a few helipads and offers a sole, grassy runway. Although not offering a commercial airport, the Torraccia Airfield has a 680-meter-long grass runway for small aircraft to fly in and out of the country. The predominant airport serving the nation would be Italy’s Rimini Fellini Airport (RMI).