Which is the Smallest Airport in the World?

Did you ever consider which is the smallest airport in the world? Most of us have only witnessed large and busy airports in the world. But, some airports in the world are so small that they can do mistaken in landing the aeroplane on the ground strip. So, let’s explore and learn about the smallest airport in the world, with its interesting facts

Which is the Smallest Airport in the World?

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is the smallest airport in the world. It is located on a small island called Saba, in the Dutch Caribbean. The island of Saba is a small one, and it is part of the Netherlands (Holland).

This airport has the world's shortest commercial runway. The runway is just 400 metres (1,312 feet) long. The length of a normal big airport is 2,400 to 4,000 metres for comparison. Hence, the length of this airport's runway is almost 6 to 10 times shorter than a normal runway.

The Airport code for this airport is: 

• IATA: SAB 
• ICAO: TNCS

Source: Cees Timmers

What is the location of Saba Island?

Saba Island is a very small island in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the smallest islands in America. Today, on this island, approximately 2158 people live. It has a large volcano, Mount Scenery, which rises almost 3,000 feet above sea level. There was little flat land on which to build an airport because of this volcano. The only flat part of the island was at the sea cliff edge.

Also Read: Which is the Busiest Airport in the United States?

When Was Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport Built?

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport was built by Remy de Haenen, who was a pilot, and he was the first man to give the idea of building an airport on Saba. In 1959, he was the first to land at a flat place on the island called Flat Point. The airport was officially opened on 24th July 1963. It is named for Aruban minister Juancho Yrausquin, who helped to secure the Dutch government's funding for its construction.

Also Read: Which Country Has No Airports?

Key Facts About the Smallest Airport in the World

Source: x-plane.org

Here are some simple and important facts:

• Runway Length: Only 400 metres (1,312 feet)

• Location: Saba Island, Dutch Caribbean, Netherlands

• Opened: 24 July 1963

• Airport Code: SAB (IATA), TNCS (ICAO)

• Jet aircraft: Not allowed, runway is too short

• Aircraft types used: Small propeller planes like de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and Britten-Norman Islander

• Airlines operating: Winair, SXM Airways, and Windward Express Airways

• Passengers per year: Around 70,000 arrivals and departures

• Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 (based on 98 reviews)

• New upgrade: In October 2025, new LED taxiway lights were added to improve safety

Also Read: Which is the Largest Airport in Asia?

Why is This Airport So Dangerous?

The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is surrounded by high cliffs on one side and the sea on all other sides of the airport. The planes that take off or land are from the sea and towards the sea. But there's very little room for any error. No flight will be held in case of rain. Only a trained pilot with special skills is allowed to fly here.

Only small planes that can take off and land in short distances are allowed. The planes can carry a maximum of 20 passengers at a time. The weight and wind speed are also strictly regulated.

However, the number of serious accidents is very low in this airport. This shows the training and expertise of the pilots.

Why is this Airport so Important?

However, this airport is small, but it is significant to the people of Saba. The existence of this airport used to be difficult and sometimes dangerous for people to travel by boat. The airport now helps people:

• Get medical help quickly

• Be provided with food and other necessities

• Make connections with other islands and the world

• Promote tourism on the island

So, now every one of you know that the world's smallest airport is Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, which is located on the Caribbean island of Saba. The runway is just 400 metres in length, the shortest commercial runway in the world is It was opened in 1963 and continues to be in operation today. Although this airport is small, but this airport assured to have safe landing and journey for travellers.

Therefore, the next time you are asked “which is the smallest airport in the world?” you'll know that it is Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport in Saba, Caribbean.

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