Toronto's island airport ranked among world’s best for scenic landings

FILE- Travellers have voted Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as having one of the top ten most scenic approaches in the world. (PortsToronto)

If you’re ever planning to fly in to Toronto via its island airport, don’t forget to book a seat by the window.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has been named one of the best airports in the world to enjoy a scenic landing in an annual survey by PrivateFly, a jet booking service.

Billy Bishop, an island airport located just off downtown Toronto’s harbour, was ranked sixth among 10 airports across the world. Malta International Airport topped the list. PrivateFly said passengers cast thousands of votes for more than 115 airports around the world, including airports from a shortlist by the company’s judging panel.

It is the second year in a row that Billy Bishop made the top 10 list. It was the only Canadian airport to receive the recognition.

One voter called the view from an aircraft approaching Billy Bishop “stunning.”

“With most flights coming from the east, the airport offers views of Ashbridges Bay, Scarborough Bluffs and the downtown core including the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. Absolutely outstanding.”

Panel judge Adam Twidell noted the “spectacular contrast of an island airport in Lake Ontario, set against the backdrop of Canada’s largest city.”

Geoffrey Wilson, the CEO of Billy Bishop owner and operator of PortsToronto, said in a statement that the airport is “thrilled to be recognized by travellers from around the globe for the second year in a row as having one of the world’s most picturesque airport approaches.”

He added the landing offers passengers “spectacular views of Toronto’s skyline and harbour as they fly into our city.”

(Photo courtesy Jeevan Jayenthiran)

Other airports that made the top 10 list:

Malta Airport, Malta

Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, France

Queenstown Airport, New Zealand

Barra Airport, Scotland

Saba Airport, Caribbean

Donegal Airport, Ireland

St. Maarten Airport, Caribbean

Los Angeles International Airport, U.S.

London City Airport, U.K.