The world's scariest airport runways

We've all had landings that were real nail biters - you know with winds, bad weather, etc. Well some airport landings can be scary even on the brightest of days. Times Online put together their list of the world's scariest runways. I think it's too European bent, but it's their list not mine:

1. Saba (Caribbean)
• WHY: Shortest runway in the world (1,300 ft) surrounded by cliffs
  
2. Gibralter
• WHY: It's a rock, silly! (Oh, and the water)
  
3. Funchal, Madeira
   
• WHY: Landing between two mountains with high winds
  
4. Barra, Scotland
• WHY: Only beach runway with scheduled air service (yes, a beach runway)
  
5. Lukla, Nepal
• WHY: Mt. Everest, silly!
  
6. Courchevel, France
• WHY: Short runway at an 18+ degree angle
  
7. St. Maarten (Caribbean)
• WHY: Short runway and very big planes approach right over the beach. It's a photo op you'll never forget!
  

I agree with St. Maarten - and it's the only one on the list I've actually landed at. For some "scary" U.S. airports, I would probably put Orange County/John Wayne (SNA) at the top of my list. The runway is one of the shortest for a US major airport. Couple that with noise restrictions to placate those Real Housewives of Orange County and that means the airlines typically have to take off at full power with a rapid ascent (and a drop in power) over the Pacific Ocean. I rode that take-off once in a backwards facing flight attendant jump seat (don't ask) and I was literally hanging against the seatbelt straps with my limbs flailing as the jet took off - let me tell you, it was probably my most memorable flying experience to date.

Below is a YouTuber's (who clearly doesn't follow the turn your electronics off rule) SNA takeoff:



Finally, I guess I'd add landing at New York's LaGuardia (LGA) on a nasty day. Sometimes that water just gets a little bit too close...you know? I know I've had a few "whoas" there.

Anyway, read more about the world's scariest runways here.