Airports have long been a hallmark of economic and social progress, often spurring urban development and prosperity in their wake. The advantages of air travel—speed, distance, and global connectivity—are unmatched by other forms of transportation. Yet, in a world where airports are essential infrastructure, a few countries are exceptions, relying on alternative modes of transportation due to a lack of space for airports. Here are five such nations:
Monaco:
As the second smallest country in the world, Monaco is bordered by France on three sides and lacks space for its own airport. Instead, travelers arriving in Monaco must land at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France and continue their journey by taxi or boat.
Vatican City:
With a population of around 800, Vatican City is the smallest country globally. Its compact size leaves no room for an airport, and with no rivers or large bodies of water, the entire country can be explored on foot. Fortunately, it is well-connected to nearby airports like Rome’s Fiumicino and Ciampino, which are just 30 minutes away by train.
Andorra:
While larger than some of the other countries on this list, Andorra is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains, where peaks can reach nearly 3,000 meters. The challenges of building and maintaining an airport in such a mountainous region have led Andorra to depend on nearby cities such as Barcelona, Lérida, and Girona for air travel, all within 200 km of its borders.
Liechtenstein:
Surrounded by hills and rolling slopes, Liechtenstein covers a total perimeter of just under 75 km. Space constraints, coupled with potential diplomatic challenges of building near neighboring Austria and Switzerland, have made constructing an airport impractical. Instead, Liechtenstein residents typically use Zürich Airport, located about 120 km away, for international travel.
San Marino:
Though close to Vatican City, San Marino has its own unique history as one of the world’s oldest republics. Its small, landlocked territory leaves no room for an airport, but its extensive road network provides easy access to nearby Italy. Rimini Airport, along with airports in Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Pisa, offers convenient entry points for both residents and visitors.
