The Most Dangerous (And Expensive) Airports Ever Built

92. Madrid Barajas Airport – Spain

Year of construction: 1931
Risk factors: Drone issues caused the airport to shut down

In February of 2020, the Madrid Airport was forced to shut down after there was a drone sighting that could have caused damage to the planes. Two pilots spotted the drone flying near landing and takeoff areas, east of the Madrid city center.

Madrid Barajas Airport, Spain @JPJets_Group / Twitter.com

The airport was forced to shut down, which left dozens of passengers stranded. It also grounded several planes and forced incoming planes to divert. Even when the airport reopened a few hours later, the landings were extremely spaced. If the drone pilot is caught, he or she risks jail time and a fine of up to a quarter-million dollars.