By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Air travel has connected nearly every corner of the globe, but there are still a few countries where planes don’t land directly. Whether due to geography, size, or politics, these nations rely on neighboring airports and alternative transport.
Aviation A2Z highlights six nations where airplanes don’t touch down directly within their borders:
1. Andorra
Nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra’s rugged terrain makes building an airport nearly impossible. Travelers usually fly into Barcelona or Toulouse, then continue by road through winding mountain passes.
2. Liechtenstein
This tiny principality between Switzerland and Austria has no airport of its own. Visitors typically land at Zürich Airport before taking a scenic train or bus ride into Liechtenstein’s charming valleys.
3. Monaco
At just over 2 km², Monaco is far too small for an airport. Instead, visitors fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France and often transfer by helicopter to Monaco’s heliport—a fittingly glamorous arrival.
4. San Marino
San Marino, surrounded entirely by Italy, has no commercial airport. The closest option is Rimini’s Federico Fellini International Airport, followed by a short drive into the world’s oldest republic.
5. Vatican City
Covering less than half a square kilometer, Vatican City has no room for an airport. Pilgrims and tourists arrive via Rome’s airports and simply walk into the Vatican from the Eternal City.
6. Kiribati
Kiribati is made up of 33 atolls spread across vast ocean distances. While South Tarawa has Bonriki International Airport, most outer islands are only accessible by boat, making air travel limited and challenging.