26 Underrated Airports That Are Surprisingly Great for Layovers

23. McMurdo Station Ice Runways (NZIR/NZFX), Antarctica: Landings on Ice

Serving the largest research base in Antarctica, McMurdo Station relies on runways constructed directly on ice. Depending on the season and conditions, flights land either on the annual sea ice (Sea Ice Runway) or the permanent McMurdo Ice Shelf (Pegasus Field or Phoenix Airfield). Landing heavy cargo planes like C-17s on prepared ice runways in one of the world's most remote and extreme environments showcases incredible logistical and engineering feats, offering essential transport for polar science and exploration.