(Kampala) – Not all countries have airports despite the widespread reliance on air travel for international connectivity. Here are five countries that lack airports and how they adapt through alternative transportation.
Air travel is often the most convenient mode of transportation for crossing borders, but these countries prove that other options can work. Each relies on unique solutions to compensate for their lack of aviation infrastructure.
Andorra, nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees Mountains, lacks an airport due to its challenging terrain, with peaks reaching nearly 3,000 meters. Visitors fly to nearby cities such as Lérida, Barcelona, or Girona, all within 200 kilometers of Andorra. The country’s stunning landscapes and popular ski resorts are accessible by road from these cities.
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world with about 800 residents, does not have an airport or any major water bodies. Its proximity to Rome allows residents and visitors to use nearby airports like Fiumicino and Ciampino. The Vatican also benefits from Italy’s extensive train network for efficient transportation.
Monaco, another small and densely populated country, is surrounded by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. Visitors to Monaco often arrive by helicopter or yacht, while others fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France and complete their journey by car or train.
San Marino, located near Vatican City, also lacks an airport. Its size makes such infrastructure impractical. However, its road network offers seamless connectivity to various Italian cities. Travelers can access San Marino through nearby airports like Rimini, Bologna, Florence, Venice, or Pisa.
Liechtenstein, a small country with a total perimeter under 75 kilometers, cannot accommodate an airport without encroaching on its neighbors. Residents and visitors travel to Zürich Airport, located 120 kilometers away in Switzerland, using cars or buses.
| Country | Reason for No Airport | Alternative Access |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Surrounded by high mountains | Nearby cities like Lérida, Barcelona, or Girona (200 km radius) |
| Vatican City | Small size, no rivers or large water bodies | Fiumicino and Ciampino Airports, train connections in Rome |
| Monaco | Small size, surrounded by France and sea | Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, helicopter, yacht |
| San Marino | Small size, practical alternatives | Airports in Rimini, Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Pisa |
| Liechtenstein | Insufficient space, potential territorial issues | Zürich Airport (120 km away), cars, and buses |
