Airports serve as prominent indicators of both economic and societal progress. In regions where aviation flourishes, prosperity and urban development inevitably follow within a few decades. As a mode of transportation, aviation offers unparalleled advantages compared to other means. The speed, distance coverage, and connectivity provided by airplanes and airports remain unmatched.

Consequently, it is uncommon to encounter a country devoid of an airport, as most nations prioritize the establishment of airports to address their mobility requirements. However, there are a select few countries worldwide where geographical constraints render the construction of airports impractical.

Here are five examples:


Monaco

Monaco, the second smallest nation globally after Vatican City, is bordered on three sides by France and does not possess its own airport. Individuals visiting Monaco must either utilize a taxi service or embark on a boat upon arrival at France’s Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.


Vatican City

Due to its diminutive size and a population of approximately 800 individuals, Vatican City lacks the necessary space to accommodate an airport. Furthermore, the absence of rivers or substantial bodies of water precludes alternative modes of transportation. Consequently, Vatican City stands as one of the rare nations that can be comprehensively explored by foot. Fortunately, nearby airports such as Fiumicino and Ciampino are readily accessible, situated a mere 30-minute train ride away.


Andorra

Andorra, despite its relatively larger size compared to some other countries, faces a significant geographical challenge due to its complete encirclement by the Pyrenees mountain range, featuring peaks that reach almost 3000 meters in height. The inherent risks and complexities associated with operating an airport at such altitudes have prompted Andorra to refrain from establishing its own airport. As an alternative, travelers can conveniently access nearby cities such as Lérida, Barcelona, or Girona, all of which are situated within a 200 km radius, offering convenient air travel options.


Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a nation characterized by its rolling hills and gentle slopes, possesses a relatively small perimeter of approximately 75 kilometers. Given these spatial limitations, the construction of an airport within Liechtenstein’s borders would potentially necessitate the encroachment upon the territories of neighboring countries. This could involve either crossing the Rhine River to the east or approaching the Austrian mountains to the west. In order to avoid any potential diplomatic complications, Liechtenstein has made the decision not to construct an airport. Consequently, its residents primarily rely on utilizing cars or buses to travel to Zürich Airport, which is situated approximately 120 kilometers away.


San Marino

San Marino, a sovereign state located in close proximity to Vatican City, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest states in the world. Despite its geographical position, being surrounded by Italy and lacking direct access to the sea, San Marino’s compact size presents a unique challenge in terms of air transportation infrastructure. Consequently, the country does not possess an airport within its borders.

However, San Marino’s relatively flat terrain is traversed by a well-developed network of roadways, facilitating convenient travel for its residents to various regions of Italy. The nearest airport is situated in Rimini, Italy, serving as a vital transportation hub for both local inhabitants and international visitors. Additionally, other nearby airports, such as those in Bologna, Florence, Venice, and Pisa, offer alternative options for accessing the country.