--- title: "This Caribbean Airport Has One of the Sketchiest Approaches in the World" description: "The Gutaf III airport in St. Barts is one of most dangers airports in the world, thanks to an incredibly sketchy approach." date: "2023-04-23" modified: "2023-04-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-caribbean-airport-has-one-of-the-sketchiest-approaches-in-the-world" categories: - "News" --- # This Caribbean Airport Has One of the Sketchiest Approaches in the World ![]() *\via YouTube\* Flying in and out of Gustaf III airport in St. Barthélemy (St. Barts) is certainly a feast for the eyes, with the turquoise waters of the Bay of St. Jean at the end of the runway. However, it's also dangerous, thanks to one of the [sketchiest approaches]() of any airport in the world. The approach into Gustaf III requires pilots to fly frighteningly close to traffic, crest a hill, and then fly downward toward the runway, before leveling out to land. It also has one of the shortest and narrowest runways of any airport in the world, at just 2,100 feet long and 60 feet wide. Due to its runway's size and extreme approach, only [small aircraft]() up to 19 passengers can take off and land at Gustaff III. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxpxK3MO5w&t=100s As planes come in to land, they get so close to traffic that they can actually hit vehicles and even people. The approach is so low that a photographer once was actually clipped in the back of the head by a plane's landing gear. American photographer Ed Gudenas was standing at the top of the hill, taking photos of planes landing. While aiming his camera toward the runway, with his back to an approaching 19-passenger DHC-6 Twin Otter, the plane's left tire hit Gudenas in the back of the head, knocking him forward. Thankfully, he only needed a few stitches in his forehead from the fall down the hill. After being taken to the hospital, he was back at his hotel bar the same night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v9MGCab1b0 Pilots who want to fly in and out of Gustaf III need to be specifically trained, not only in short field takeoffs and landings but also in between three sides of terrain. The latter of which can make windy days especially tricky. The two-degree downward slope of the runway itself doesn't help, either. If pilots don't stop short enough, they end up taking a swim in the Bay of St. Jean. It's so dangerous that the airport requires pilots to get re-evaluated every six months. Thankfully, once you do land safely, your survival is rewarded with gorgeous scenery and spectacular weather. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()