The Most Dangerous (And Expensive) Airports Ever Built

12. Kai Tak Airport – Hong Kong

Year of construction: 1925
Risk factors: Surrounded by buildings

Landing at Kai Tak Airport was challenging even for skilled pilots. The airport was surrounded by tall buildings, and airplanes passed so close to the buildings that passengers felt they could peek into the offices. To make matters worse, the track was built on the sea, and it was far too narrow and short.

Kai Tak Airport – Hong Kong @paolachagaspere / Pinterest.com

It is not difficult to imagine why passengers referred to this airport as “Heart Attack Airport.” Kai Tak was the site of no less than fifteen accidents before it was shut down in 1998 because of how dangerous it was.