Airports Are Far From Just Another Piece of Concrete

Every stop—and every runway for that matter—really does have its own personality.

Les Abend

Wednesday, April 01, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A widebody jet overflies the beach on short final to the runway at St. Maarten in the Caribbean. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

While professional pilots may exhibit bravado about all airports being "just concrete," the article highlights that many possess unique challenges and "personalities."
New York's LaGuardia (KLGA) demands pilot precision due to its congested location, relatively short runways, and the need for strict adherence to landing procedures.
St. Maarten (TNCM) presents challenges with its short runway, nearby terrain requiring high-performance takeoffs, and the unusual presence of beachgoers close to jet blast.
London Heathrow (EGLL) requires precise flying skills to manage high traffic volume and execute Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) for noise abatement.

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Light years ago, I was nearby to hear a quintessential crusty, old captain’s response to an inquiry from a passenger that prompted him to say that at the end of the day, all airports were just pieces of concrete to land the airplane. The statement is pure bravado, implying that setting the wheels down on any runway anywhere in the world is routine.

Indeed, as well-trained professional pilots, it should be routine. But for those of us that are seasoned veterans of the sky, we know that airports have their own idiosyncrasies.