Boeing pilot talks through how he manages to land plane on one of the most challenging runways in the world that's right next to beach
Published on Feb 17, 2026 at 9:03 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 17, 2026 at 9:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
A Boeing pilot for KLM Dutch Airlines has spoken about how he lands a plane on a runway that is said to be one of the most challenging in the world, located right next to a beach in Sint Maarten.
Captain Tim ten Velde spoke about the landing at Sint Maarten in a YouTube video for KLM just over 11 years ago, which is located at Maho Beach on the beautiful Caribbean island.
The proximity to the beach makes it an incredible spectacle, and easily one of the most challenging in the world to land on.
Incredibly, the Boeing pilot was flying the huge Boeing 747 onto the runway.
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How the Boeing pilot landed at the airport
Airplanes have to be careful when landing here, given the rugged terrain at the other end of the runway.
The runway is relatively short, at 2,300 metres long, but it can just about accommodate a Boeing 747 with the help of a skilled pilot.
Pilots will observe the route they are taking via navigation software, and air traffic control will give them a path to the runway.
It is satellite-guided, before manual control takes over for the final part of the landing.
In the video, we can see the KLM Boeing approach the island, before slowly descending, ready for landing.
It followed the approach given to it by air traffic control, bringing them in for a safe approach.
Even on a slightly overcast day, the island still looks beautiful.
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Beachgoers regularly watch airplanes land on the challenging runway
As one of the most challenging runways in the world, it’s no surprise that beachgoers regularly watch the landings.
Aircraft fly in at incredibly low altitudes before touching down at the airport.
As seen in the video, the huge Boeing 747 soars just over the heads of those watching.
Captain Tim ten Velde brings the aircraft in beautifully, landing smoothly on the tough runway.
The shorter-than-normal runway length is evident from how fast the end of the tarmac approaches.
But the big airliner slows down in plenty of time before reaching the end of the Sint Maarten runway.
Airports like this are a real challenge for pilots, given the extra variables they are faced with.
But the skill they show is remarkable, and it all makes for a spectacular view as the airplanes come into land – grab your popcorn and give it a watch.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
