I Got STRANDED at the World's Most Isolated Airport

[@BB49.]

Pity you didn't explore the island more.

[@joebloggs4369]

There's quite a few things apart from Napoleon, like the skeletal remains of 380 slaves, men women and children that the Royal Navy had freed when they intercepted slave ships off the West Africa coast, found buried in a mass grave when the airport was being constructed. Apparently they were quietly reburied without ceremony.

[@niemand3637]

I half expected you to visit napoleans house with the extra day you got

[@Jukkz]

and his grave wasted opportunity

[@chrismorrison5585]

Think I remember in a past video Noel mentioned in passing he had been to Sydney alot of times but never seen the opera house

[@gilded_lady]

That would mean he actually cared about being a tourist and seeing the places he visits, but increasingly it just feels like he's content with a passport stamp alone :(

[@alexpeartree2019]

​@@gilded_ladyto be fair, he's never marketed this channel as a travel guide, it's for planefans, who like weird airports, weird airlines and weird aeroplanes.

[@hhin]

Never mind Napoleon's house, he didn't even go to the pub 😂

[@bradmikkelsen8960]

That flight attendant was so 🥰

[@TheoneandonlyEETFUK]

that exact emoji

[@johnnyboy3949]

That stewardess was a delight! So friendly and beautiful! ❤

[@TheoneandonlyEETFUK]

100%

[@DavidNewmanDr]

I was surprised you didn't use the extra day on St Helena to visit the house where Napoleon lived in exile, held there by the British.

[@topquark22]

That was my question as well. Nothing about Napoleon.

[@EdgarStyles1234]

he's too ignorant to care about anything, he just goes to these places to check them off a list, he couldn't give a damn about anything about them

[@camogeko6804]

He likes planes and airports, not much of an explorer or a historian. He thinks going to an airport somewhere means he can tick it off as a visit lol

[@Jeng4280]

The customer service in St. Helena was absolutely amazing! People were so friendly and accomodating to you. :) Love this video and thank you for sharing your trips with the rest of the world. Look forward to the next one. Until then!

[@barcaloco04]

Difficult to beleive this is a dream destination of his when no effert was made to view it

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

It's a rock.

[@barcaloco04]

And yet still didn’t manage to go around it

[@feikarto]

He is no explorer, too 🐔 to do it. Check out "Bald and bankrupt" he is a real traveller.

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@barcaloco04 he's a fraud

[@robertmitchell7792]

Never once mentioned Napoleon

[@MrFredericandre]

So British

[@markiangooley]

Brits do hold grudges sometimes…

[@badlarry172]

he must have been close though when confronted by that little statue at the airport😉

[@sri198904]

he still thinks British run the world

[@briangentle5515]

My thought too. Napoleon would have given his eye teeth for an airport like that!! One day delay, no problem...

[@jimb3333]

Incredible! Noel managed to spend two nights without mentioning Napoléon who died there in exile. He also climbed half way up to the Frenchman's home.

[@ISpeakthetruth15]

For someone who made a big deal of the Blue Peter/kid thing it's seems to me you couldn't wait to get out of there. No discussion of Napolean's incarceration or any history or culture. Quite disappointing really.

[@TheAmazingallan]

genuinely why be so impassioned about the island when all you can think about is how you're leaving it. It seems more like there's a list to be checked off instead of a world to explore.

[@tobyray8700]

Id LOVE to be “stranded”someplace like that.

[@JustinWatson23]

To be fair this is an aviation channel not a travel channel. he rarely goes into the details of more of the palces he visits and often its just a day, because its an aviation travel, not a travel channel.

[@TheUomohamburger]

very impressive, noel. you did a whole 45 min video about st helena and not a single mention about Napoleon! lol PS that stewardess is truly adorable

[@camogeko6804]

She was the best part of the video tbh

[@alexhart4763]

WHy didn't you explore a bit more of the island with your spare day? Looks like an interesting place.

[@opiratha]

He can't even climb 50 steps on those stairs...clearly spending much time sitting in airplanes, airports and hotels is taking a toll on his health....

[@anyexpat]

As someone who loves to climb mountains his stair climbing attempt was pathetic. I mean there were kids running down them.

[@dirtyboypdx]

@@anyexpat Yea, not everyone's a mountain climber. 🙄

[@Mizzy3030]

@@anyexpat It was all the motivation anyone should need to work out regularly.

[@anyexpat]

@@Mizzy3030 I cannot pretend to know the mentality that allows you to walk half way up, have a great view and just stop. Especially when its just a couple of hundred steps

[@joannharrington2279]

Take the extra day as a gift. You were held over in a place with the nicest people. St Helena is a place where you can relax and rest to climb that stairway. Safe travels and stay aware.

[@robinjohnhill7556]

No mention of the most famous resident of the Island - strange.

[@jacohauptfleisch935]

Or that during the South African 'Boer War' St. Helena was used as a Prisoner of War camp.

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

Maybe that's why he didn't mention the history of the place. It's very heavy and this channel is about flying not war.

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@TitianTopsyTurvy how many times will you copy paste this cope? he sucks deal with it

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@TitianTopsyTurvy you are pathetic defending this joke

[@dwaynefoley1020]

Not one mention of Napoleon 🤦🏻‍♂️ literally the most famous thing about the island 😂

[@Kj_Gamer2614]

Cool to see that the island even has the same weather as England, cloudy and windy and rainy

[@tommyovesen]

This was on your bucket list! Then you got one day extra and say SADLY :)

[@tristancollins3037]

Yeah I didn't get that. Seemed like he couldn't wait to leave

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

Because he was worried he wouldn't get home by the time he planned to. Noel has a family. This is his work. It isn't all a jolly for him. Maybe he was going to see his kid in a play, an important Doctors visit, etc. Some people are very judgy, considering they have no knowledge of Noel's life other than what he puts on this channel. Which is a channel about flying, NOT sightseeing or history. There's lots of KZbin channels that cover those things.

[@lizalauda1903]

​@@TitianTopsyTurvyNoel filmed himself climbing half the stairs, so it would've been more interesting to show something different instead. He had an Air China flight booked next, doesn't sound like a direct flight back to Houston. Booking separate itineraries close together is always risky. He even explained the operational challenges. I'm surprised he booked everything so tightly. With such islands, Madeira being another typical example, it's no secret passengers can get stuck for days because of adverse weather.

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

@lizalauda1903 Noel did admit to not being very fit. You need to be able to get down again after going up (and he did say going down was worse). The point is, at no time did Noel say he was there to investigate the history of the island. Travelling there was an intriguing challenge when he saw it on Blue Peter, and still today, flying there is a challenge. That's why he wanted to go, not for Napoleon or history. Not everyone has the same interests.

[@The89jc]

My home city! I have lived in St Helena for the last 10 years.

[@TheyCallMeMr.Fahrenheit]

Is thia the place where Napoleon Bonaparte died?

[@Ape_Appreciation]

Oh wow. I have wanted to go there for years

[@Ape_Appreciation]

​@@TheyCallMeMr.Fahrenheitit is! And home to the world's oldest tortoise, Jonathan. He is around 192 years old!

[@Seanney25582]

@@TheyCallMeMr.Fahrenheityes!

[@The89jc]

@@TheyCallMeMr.Fahrenheit Yes it was in 1821

[@anumeon]

Things that the passenger next to you do not want to hear... "Much like myself, a big problem that St Helena has is with excessive wind" 😆

[@NorthernMike-1]

😂

[@Smokindutch63]

Amazing place. Also amazing is visiting this very remote place and not exploring a bit more of the island. And go see where that other guest lived that couldn't leave for a while. You know, Napoleon!

[@teresalitherland3122]

Absolutely loved this video, St Helena is a fascinating place that I have visited several times. Shame you didn’t visit Napoleon’s house or go to the Governor’s House where you can see Jonathan, the world’s oldest tortoise who is 192 years old. I don’t know if the church was open but would also have been worth a visit to see the memorial plaques on the walls; one to a chap who met an untimely end whilst collecting guano from a rock and a tragic one to a 2 year old baby who was orphaned, losing her parents on the voyage from India, only to succumb on St Helena. The voyage from Cape Town on the RMS St Helena was always fun and never boring. Deck cricket was great fun, played with a ball made of nylon rope in a turban head knot by the crew, all sorts of other deck games, pub games in the evening, a good library but most of all a truly captivating group of fellow passengers, always. They used to range from doctors, teachers, customs officers (one had some glorious tales to tell), men of the cloth, barristers coming out to try a big case, we met one chap who whose goal in life was to play on every golf course in the world, ornithologists looking for the St Helena Wirebird. As an intrepid traveller you wouldn’t have been bored! Wonderful island, fascinating people. ❤

[@abmindprof]

If I ever go, I'll be sure to stay for a week. There must be a lot of hiking trails and things to see with those views. Looks a bit like El Hierro in the Canaries.

[@paulmacready6757]

I wish you’d showed the pub 😂

[@tristancollins3037]

That would of been great

[@sleshy]

"Worse places to be locked up." - I think Napoleon might beg to differ sir.

[@leibmenter2331]

Napoleon also didn’t expect to be there for as long as he was. Seems to be a pattern.

[@IAGrl55]

What a lovely place St. Helena is. The people are so nice. Your hotel room was great!

[@Steve-318]

Was hoping you'd show the inside of a pub or two.

[@paulw.woodring7304]

Steve Marsh would have done a pub crawl.🤣

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

​@@paulw.woodring7304Why don't you suggest it to Steve Marsh then?

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@TitianTopsyTurvy are you his goblin wife or something?

[@stevenmacdonald9619]

I think you need to go back to St.Helena Noel. We all want to see the view from the top of those steps 😁

[@daanski82]

Is it me or is the audio of Noel out of wack? Like talking about the coffee.

[@andrewboyle1978]

It's out of whack for everyone

[@ja91uk]

Dipping to a lower level a lot, hopefully Noel can sort it for future videos

[@DarrenMansell]

Came into the comments to see if the audio was dodgy for others or just me

[@BuzzinsPetRock78]

@@DarrenMansell Yeah same here....I fiddled with my audio settings for a few minutes....before thinking to test other videos. It's just this one that is dipping in and out

[@thewalrus1968]

haha ..ive had my earbud in and out about 20 times thinking i had an issue

[@deloresthomas5624]

This video was wonderful and you made me want to research St. Helena. From the time you landed you felt the friendliness of everyone was so inspiring.

[@Ape_Appreciation]

@deloresthomas, check the island on Google earth. There is street view as well and you get to see how the scenery changes. There are not enough documentries about this island.

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@deloresthomas5624 pfffft lol read the other comments bot

[@aron4283]

A Noel Phillips Sunday video never disappoints. Great work, keep it up!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you like them!

[@Kruhn]

​@@noelphilipsI was fretting when the weekly video didn't show up on my weekly KZbin notifications at 9 am Eastern Time on Sunday. Good thing I caught it in the evening.

[@EdgarStyles1234]

@@aron4283 this was a huge disappointment

[@garymillerlcs]

Wow, another amazing trip! Must have seemed amazing luxury to stay 2 nights. Shame you didn’t manage to see more on the extra day but then you are primarily interested in the flights of course! Very enjoyable to watch. Many thanks.

[@farmcentralohio]

There's a lot worse places to be stranded, getting out of the airport actually made for an interesting video for once. You should try that more often

[@culcune]

He does and he has, but like this one, it seems like he cannot wait to get out of the places he travels to.

[@shlomokessel3569]

I've seen many interesting videos about St Helena, the airport and the single weekly flight but this is the first that's showed the spectacular approach and landing. I've always wanted to go there but it's off the beaten track even for South Africans. Thanks Noel for taking us with you.

[@loveisall5520]

PS--it's amazing to think that Napoleon ended up on St. Helena in the early 19th century. Imagine the challenges getting there from Europe on a sailing ship all those years ago!

[@ChrisHoward-cs3uu]

Dream to get somewhere and then stress over getting out…

[@kchall5]

St. Helena is most notably the island where Napoleon was banished after his defeat at Waterloo, and where he spent his final days.

[@kdm_entertainment]

That flight attendant though.. Damn

[@maltlickytexas]

You need God in your life.😂

[@dannycrooks8462]

You definitely should have done all those steps 😂😂

[@whatsitlike6392]

I'm amazed your hotel was paid for the extra day. I was told when weather causes a delay the airline is not on the hook.

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

And what a lovely hotel, full of lovely staff.

[@AllenCNW441]

Just imagine the overhead it takes to operate the airport for one flight in & one flight out a week…

[@shamgarsan]

It looked there were more airport staff than passengers.

[@donaldparlett7708]

Ain’t nothing like a small town, personally I’d be hanging out at the pub.

[@adamunterwalcher5094]

I am ashamed that you didn't make it to the top of the stairs 😅😅

[@apersonwhoisaperson]

Loved this one. I’m glad you got an extra day there so you could share it with us!

[@Notourtube]

They did Napoleon dirty with that life size tiny statue lol 16:47

[@anyexpat]

Looked pretty accurate

[@edwardphilibin3151]

Fun Fact: Napoleon was actually well within the average height range for his time. If anything, Wellington was a gigantic mutant of a man who towered over everyone, Napoleon included. (Full disclosure: as an American, I fully admit that our contemporaneous George Washington was also hugely tall for his time.)

[@anyexpat]

@@edwardphilibin3151 Fun fact most people know this and the lie was perpetuated by the British to mock him

[@Seanney25582]

The custom and immigration officers seem very friendly

[@fireflyrobert]

It’s a pity the authorities didn’t do a full audit of the prevailing winds before deciding where best to sit the airport on the island. As a retired pilot before the first aircraft operations at the new airport I took one look at the siting of the runway and the surrounding terrain and predicted there would be issues with wind shear. The other operational issue is that the alternate airfields are a long way from St Helena. This means you have to carry lots of extra gas to divert if necessary. On a relatively short runway you want the weight as low as possible so it’s a finely balanced operation. Don’t get me wrong I fully support St Helena having an airport. It’s a pity these operational constraints prevent direct flights from the UK.

[@aakeister]

You should try to get to Ascention Wide Awake airport, then down to The Falklands

[@alexpeartree2019]

Yes, this. Make it happen Noel.

[@johnfitzpatrick8094]

Gold Blue Peter badge winging its way to Noel Philips no doubt...

[@seven_hundred-seven_hundred]

Very nice. Thank you. (This is one of your better ones...)

[@PortugalCarp]

What a wonderful little place and the people seemed so warm.

[@madoudia]

Everyone you met from the moment you stepped off the plane to when you stepped back on has been so nice, really makes you want to go there. I wonder if there are some activities you can do on the island to spend a full week for example, wouldn't even mind going there for a laid back week where I wouldn't do anything and just relax.

[@F0XP0D]

A friend of mine was in charge of getting the airport built . Moved from Eastbourne to live there for a few years to get it sorted. She had to get there via Navy ships. Looks Like she done an amazing Job ! Well done Helen Standen !!

[@thefiestaguy8831]

Been to Eastbourne numerous times. Definitely looks an upgrade in St Helena!

[@NorthernMike-1]

I was going to comment on what a nice Airport they have.

[@fredericlepeltier3435]

My first tought was how well it integrates into its surroundings. How well it use the local rocks combined with concrete. Reminded me of Franck Lloyd Wright "Falling water" in that regard. Well done to her!

[@bbranett2188]

I've talked to Assention Island on my 2 way radio from the Midwest.

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

on 27.385 MHz LSB?

[@bbranett2188]

​@FreezyAbitKT7A, yes, about 8 years ago.

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

Ascension Island has a massive, big protruding antenna that is visible from many a mile.🥒🥒🥒

[@RoadCone411]

Arriving into St Helena is kind of like checking into a work symposium at a hotel/conference center. I got Gibraltar vibes watching Noel walk around Jamestown

[@TitianTopsyTurvy]

What a lovely hotel with sweet staff. All the people seemed so happy to meet a stranger.

[@shonen84]

Everything does happen for a reason, Noel. I’ve researched St Helens and decided it is t realistic with the ship and, at the time, the airport not being there yet. But here we are you just went ahead and did it! Another great adventure. See you next week!

[@brentd209]

I remember when Wendover did a big documentary on this airport being built. Its such an interesting place.

[@dismaldunc]

ooo! going to go look for that!

[@RikiB-f4c]

I love the concept of "we've got your money and you can only spend it here."

[@richardhingston6073]

She probably wasnt too chuffed to hear he'd be taking a load off the island... I doubt there is enough in circulation for every passenger to do that.

[@Planestrains-d5e]

A lot worse places to be stuck, that’s for sure. A change of pace. I’ve got plenty of stories about that airport from my times at Airbus… originally it didn’t have a an apron, so if an aircraft went tech, there was no way to get an aircraft in with spares. Genius. Still… the flight attendant chatting you up on arrival - she was lovely!

[@Seanney25582]

I wouldn’t mind to be stranded there for a few days

[@neilfoster4453]

Magical place with some wonderful people. Was lucky to spend nearly 3 years there. Thanks for sharing your experience, great to see some familiar faces (including your seatmate Mark). Hope you find another trip in the future to see the Island in all its glory.

[@lindabarrett5631]

Such a lovely village! Beautiful hardwood floors in that hotel. Everyone was so nice!

[@k.cooley4306]

Beautiful hotel! I've been fascinated by St. Helena since reading about Napoleon. The island is gorgeous.

[@ztoical]

I took one of the last trips on the RMS Saint Helena before the airport opened and it was an amazing experience I'll never forget.

[@ELD0E]

Been watching your videos with my entire family every Sunday when you upload and we are all in agreement that this has to be one of the best you've made! Was so fascinating to watch and learn! Thanks for filming and sharing! X

[@sambhavgupta1677]

I have never seen Noel so happy seeing an airplane land....I could literally see the glare and joy in his eyes😃

[@Andy28548]

Think that was the amount of coffee he been drinking prob hypo off the stuff 😂

[@eduardoleonconcha2114]

Great Noel! Really like your positive spirit! Great to learn about St Elena

[@opdd122]

now I need to go there to see what there’s on the top of those stairs.

[@mickyboy1955]

No mention of Napolean?!

[@alphaomega3499]

Comment section summary: why didn't he visit the house of Napoleon, whom the English, amongst others, thoroughly defeated.

[@aureaphilos]

Loved this video!! I usually listen to travel videos while I'm puttering around the apartment, but tonight I was glued to the screen, loving the scenery, and nail-biting to see if you would get off sooner than later. Great video, only wished you'd spoken a bit about the wildlife or tours that are available. Would love to go there some day!!

[@uzmaahmed.catmoon]

Ah wasn't this amazing! St Haleena,sounds like a wonderful place with wonderful people! May I also say Noel that I greatly appreciated the descriptions you gave! Lovely vid.

[@geraldinebabb1960]

Thank you as always Noel. What a beautiful place ❤❤❤

[@nicholasmanolaros2290]

As an av geek, you had me...every step of the trip. Part travelogue part knuckle biter. The landscape, the charming people, Jamestown, the gorgeous hotel (free night). Only wished you had stayed longer and explored. Those stairs! You tell a story well but why no mention of Napoleon? Big fan. Best!

[@patrickavis5475]

Cheer up Noel! I am sure the travel can be a bit repetitive but in the past you've had a fizz and spring in your step but all the videos recently have been heavy on the complaints. You're going to some amazing places and we want to enjoy going there with you

[@noelphilips]

Ya sorry, pushing myself too much. These videos were done during a very long filming trip 12 & 21 days. Going to slow down a bit so I don't get so burnt out, by the time I do the videos, at the end of the trips.

[@patrickavis5475]

@@noelphilips No need to say sorry! Totally understand and they must be hard on the mind as much as the body - and that's before adding in being away from home for long stretches. So many KZbinr's burn out and we all want to keep coming along for the ride with you in 2025! 🙂

[@harryoxnard4922]

Congrats on finally getting there. Always like your walk around videos.

[@HaffyD.B.]

Reminds me of Madeira, maybe a little less green. But the vibe feels very Madeira

[@pcgenie-la]

Whenever I think about filming my travels, I chicken out because I think it's all so routine. But this is a truly unique video. I'm glad you did it. Great video! Thanks.

[@capio78]

I never thought I'd watch a 45 minute youtube video; Noel proved me wrong! Top stuff

[@mojavebnsf1623]

What a truly fabulous island. I would love to go and visit, maybe for a week or more! Great video Noel.

[@Juanita-gf4te]

I always have a good book with me, on buses and planes and trains, in waiting rooms and cafes and restaurants............I never get bored and it deters people when I don't feel like chatting.

[@margaretpickbourn2647]

What amazing people. So polite and pleasant. Lovely vlog Noel. Loved every minute x

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@trevornelmes9331]

Wow. Been watching your vids for so many years, but this was THE best one. Would I live there? YES. In a heartbeat. I am autistic and really hate crowds. Air travel is incredibly stressful for me, and I have had meltdowns, but airport/airline staff have always been so friendly and helpful. THE most scary airport I have been to is Aspen, in a snow storm. Visibility? What visibility? The pilot had to have super powers. St Helena; little strips of green in the valleys, huge, barren volcanic mountains of nothingness.

[@eldorado1244]

One of the few channels worth watching ❤

[@vickymcintosh]

What an absolutely stunning island st Helena is. Thank you Noel for this amazing video

[@StefanoDomellicalo]

I made this trip with my Mum in 2018. We, along with the Saint Helena Commonwealth Games Team, were delayed 2 days on the outbound due to the weather at HLE. I have yet to have been to a more friendly and laid back place. Was that the flight engineer that travels with the aircraft sitting next to you on the outbound Noel?

[@Teesbrough]

One of your best ever trips. Beauty and emotion. Tempted to add St Helena to my own bucket list now. After this video I can see Airlink upping schedules to twice-weekly.

[@edwardlees4585]

Wasn't Blue Peter on twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays?

[@michaelocyoung]

In the 90s it was.

[@andybaker2456]

​@michaelocyoung Also for most of the 60s and all of the 70s and 80s. Now it's on once a week, on Friday.

[@estiefranks6468]

A fun video for us to watch. I enjoyed you giving us tour around town. I love seeing different parts of the world. Merry Christmas 🎄 😊

[@severalwolves]

16:47 as a history nerd, I was trying to figure out why the name of the island sounded so familiar… and then as soon as I saw that Napoleon statue in the corner, it finally clicked haha.

[@DodlDecF]

Hi Noel, I think it's a beautiful place and if I had to stay over I would not be disappointed. When you said the water was cold I thought the water would be warm, but I am not familiar with this area of the world regarding temperatures and weather. I know you had connections, but if you decide to go again, please leave your schedule open. Everyone is so nice on this island too.

[@stevebaker8768]

Excellent video, and another Sunday for me going down the rabbit hole of seeing if it's possible for me to recreate a Noel trip.

[@noelphilips]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lhardin389]

Nice video!!!! Nice view of the island, and the people seem so friendly and kind!!!

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIl-v9h]

12:12 “Netflix and chill” ….mate 😅

[@camogeko6804]

Noel trying to stay relevant with the cool kids 😂

[@misspaigegolden]

What a Wonderful Video. Wishing you a wonderful week.

[@loveisall5520]

It's a beautiful day in the seventies here in Houston, hoping you and family are here to enjoy it!

[@Thesmellofrain-h6o]

These are the nicest most happy people I’ve seen in a long time! I want to go! Greetings to you and family. Merry Christmas!

[@davidknox5929]

One of your best Noel

[@beachbumsailordude]

It's not the first video I've ever seen on this island. I guess if you wanted to dissappear it would be a place to go. But as I always say, "Noel Philips goes there so you don't have to." Great job as always Noel.

[@mgrizz2386]

Wow, it's quite beautiful there! Thank you for taking us with you.

[@noelphilips]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!