Malta International Airport has topped a global poll of the world’s most scenic landings, conducted by the private jet booking service PrivateFly.

The company asked a panel of international travel experts and travel fans for their most scenic airport approaches in its annual survey, with the most votes this year going to Malta International Airport.

One voter commented: “Landing on this gem in the Mediterranean sea is not to be missed! The islands of Malta and Gozo fit into your window... the sea, the blue skies, the landscape, the greenery, the cities, the temples, and all the colours that this beautiful island has to offer. Beats any landing by far!”

A panel of major names in the travel industry formed the shortlist for the public vote, with ex-New York Times travel writer Joe Sharkey nominating Malta. He commented: "Approached from a churning blue sea; the tiny, isolated rocky island nation suddenly appears and you immediately understand Malta's strategic geo-political importance for literally millennia by sea and later air in the middle of the Mediterranean."

PrivateFly CEO Adam Twidell, an experienced pilot, said: “Flying into Malta is a truly special experience - it’s a tiny island landing that packs a big punch. There is so much to take in. Without being hectic, the landscape changes from coast, to farmland, to the historic city of Valletta. It's like flying into a Picasso painting.”

Malta International Airport CEO, Alan Borg said: “We are truly flattered by this award and the feedback Malta International Airport received in this poll, which strengthen our belief that Malta enthrals visitors from the first glimpse and offers a unique experience year round. We hope that topping PrivateFly’s poll will boost our ongoing efforts to entice guests who have not yet experienced our Islands to discover our rich history, culture, hospitality, and underwater world, first hand.”

The full top 10 is as follows:

1. Malta International Airport, Malta

2. Nice Cote D'Azur Airport, France

3. Queenstown Airport, New Zealand

4. Barra Airport, Scotland, UK

5. Saba Airport (Juancho E Yrausquin), Caribbean

6. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada

7. Donegal Airport, Ireland

8. St Maarten Airport (Princess Juliana International), Caribbean

9. Los Angeles International Airport, USA

10. London City Airport, UK

The PrivateFly Best Airport Approaches 2016 poll was conducted in February and March 2016 and received over 7,500 individual votes. A total of 115 global airports were nominated.