For travelers seeking seclusion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, remote travel by aircraft opens up a world of extraordinary possibilities. Some of the most breathtaking and untouched locations on Earth are accessible only by small, private planes. Whether you’re venturing into the heart of the wilderness or landing on an unpaved airstrip beside a glacier, these exclusive getaways are perfect for adventurers who value privacy and the path less traveled.
Why Small Aircraft Are Essential for Remote Travel
Unlike major commercial airliners, small aircraft can land on short or unpaved runways, fly into mountainous or rugged areas, and provide direct point-to-point service to locations that lack conventional airport infrastructure. This makes them ideal for reaching isolated islands, jungle lodges, Arctic outposts, and desert retreats. Chartering a private plane or turboprop enables efficient, flexible access to destinations that are logistically impossible or highly impractical via commercial carriers.
1. Supai, Arizona – Grand Canyon’s Hidden Village
Supai, Arizona
Nestled deep within the Grand Canyon, the village of Supai is home to the Havasupai Tribe and is one of the most isolated communities in the continental U.S. There are no roads into Supai—access is limited to a ten-mile hike, mule ride, or helicopter flight. However, private fixed-wing aircraft can land nearby at Hualapai Hilltop Airstrip, from which travelers can be transferred by chopper.
- Nearest Air Access: Hualapai Hilltop (requires short hop by helicopter)
- Popular Activities: Visiting Havasu Falls, cultural immersion with the Havasupai people
- Aircraft Type Needed: Turboprops or light twin-engine aircraft
2. Sossusvlei, Namibia – Red Dunes of the Namib Desert
Sossusvlei, Namibia
Located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a surreal landscape of rust-red sand dunes, salt pans, and ancient dead trees. Due to its extreme remoteness, travelers must rely on charter flights to airstrips carved out of the desert floor. The NamibRand Nature Reserve offers several luxury eco-lodges that maintain private runways for Cessna Caravans and Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
- Nearest Air Access: Sossusvlei Lodge Airstrip (private)
- Popular Activities: Hot air ballooning, guided desert treks, stargazing
- Aircraft Type Needed: Single-engine turboprop or STOL aircraft
3. Tetiaroa, French Polynesia – Marlon Brando’s Island Paradise
Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Once the private refuge of actor Marlon Brando, Tetiaroa is an atoll 30 miles north of Tahiti, now home to The Brando resort. There are no scheduled commercial flights to Tetiaroa. Guests must take a private aircraft from Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport to the island’s short coral airstrip, typically aboard a Twin Otter or similar STOL aircraft.
- Nearest Air Access: Tetiaroa Private Runway (via Papeete)
- Popular Activities: Marine research, reef snorkeling, luxury relaxation
- Aircraft Type Needed: Twin Otter or Britten-Norman Islander
4. Lukla, Nepal – Gateway to Mount Everest
Lukla, Nepal | Photo: Solovyova
Often dubbed the “world’s most dangerous airport,” Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport sits on a narrow mountainside strip surrounded by the Himalayas. The only way to access this critical Everest Base Camp waypoint is via specialized short takeoff and landing aircraft from Kathmandu. Commercial flights are possible, but often delayed or canceled—chartered aircraft provide the greatest reliability and flexibility.
- Nearest Air Access: Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA)
- Popular Activities: Everest Base Camp trek, Sherpa cultural experiences
- Aircraft Type Needed: STOL aircraft like DHC-6 Twin Otter
5. Faroe Islands – The North Atlantic’s Isolated Archipelago
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands lie between Iceland and Norway, offering windswept cliffs, dramatic fjords, and sparse villages. While Vágar Airport receives some commercial flights, the real gems of the Faroes are accessible only by helicopter or small fixed-wing planes capable of navigating foggy weather and short runways. Aerial transfers between islands are common, operated via chartered services or government-supported flights.
- Nearest Air Access: Vágar Airport with onward charter
- Popular Activities: Puffin watching, hiking, Nordic cuisine
- Aircraft Type Needed: Helicopters or short-range fixed-wing planes
Benefits of Choosing Private Aircraft for Remote Destinations
Choosing remote travel by aircraft unlocks opportunities that few travelers ever experience. Here are some key benefits:
- Access to the Inaccessible: Private planes can reach destinations that lack commercial airport infrastructure.
- Time Efficiency: Avoid long land transfers or unreliable ferry schedules by flying directly to your remote escape.
- Customized Routes: Fly on your schedule, with routes tailored to your itinerary and group size.
- Comfort & Privacy: Enjoy personalized service and privacy—no airport crowds, long lines, or rigid baggage rules.
What to Know Before You Charter
Chartering a flight to a remote location involves more than selecting an aircraft. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Aircraft Range & Performance: Make sure the selected aircraft can handle the airstrip length and conditions.
- Weather Conditions: Remote areas often present challenging weather. Work with experienced operators familiar with the region.
- Permits & Customs: Some remote international destinations may require special clearances. Your charter provider can assist with logistics.
- Weight Limitations: Light aircraft often have strict payload limits. Pack strategically and confirm allowances in advance.
Unlocking the World’s Hidden Corners
Exploring the world’s most remote and untouched destinations doesn’t have to involve days of hiking, boating, or off-roading. Thanks to the versatility and range of small private aircraft, remote travel by aircraft offers a seamless and luxurious solution for adventurers, photographers, conservationists, and privacy-seekers alike. Whether you’re flying over desert dunes, into snow-covered mountains, or onto isolated coral atolls, these destinations reward the extra effort it takes to get there—and the flight itself often becomes part of the adventure.