Let's face it: every time you travel, your journey begins and ends at an airport. How comfortable those moments were, whether the queues were long, the lounge access was adequate, or if there were food outlets close at hand, will all factor into your overall experience.
While every traveller has a favourite airport, there's no guarantee that another would rate the same highly, making the question of which is the best world airport very subjective. In such a case, it’s helpful to have a system that grades airports on a universal scale according to a global benchmark of quality standards. That's what Skytrax does. It’s the leading airline and airport evaluation system that rates, reviews, and awards airlines and airports worldwide.
How Does Skytrax Rate Airports?
Established two decades ago, Skytrax World Airport Star Ratings is the international standard for measuring airport quality. Each airport is graded on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based on its performance on nearly 800 customer-facing facets of service and product across 30 touchpoints.
These range from the airport's online presence to the quality of terminal hotels. The product aspects include the airport's website, signage and navigation, terminal aesthetics, upkeep, cleanliness, passenger movement flow and efficiency, and amenities such as seating, restrooms, family facilities, accessible travel and leisure, entertainment, Wi-Fi, shopping, and dining.
The evaluation criteria are uniform across the industry. This means that all airports are judged on the same standards, from major international hubs to smaller regional ones. Ratings are based on the direct customer experience from the start to the end of the journey.
With that out of the way, let's look at the list of the top 10 best airports in the world released by the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards. These rankings are based on customer votes from all over the world compiled in the 2023-2024 World Airport Survey.
Top 10 Airports of 2024
Hammad International Airport, Doha
It comes as no surprise that the home of Qatar Airways, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was ranked the best airport in the world. Qatar Airways was also honoured as 'Airline of the Year' for an unprecedented eighth time.
One of the best things about HIA is that you don’t have to run across multiple terminals; everything is under one roof, which greatly reduces the stress associated with travelling. Another blessing is the smooth security transfer, which doesn't require removing laptops or liquids from the bags. And if you've ever struggled to connect to airport Wi-Fi, you’ll love how effortlessly you can get online here.
Some of the other features that customers love about the airport include the indoor tropical garden ORCHARD, which has 300 trees and over 25,000 plants and shrubs. There are over 30 art installations all over the airport, with notable pieces including Urs Fischer's 'Lamp Bear', Ahmed Al Bahrani's 'A Message of Peace to the World', Jean-Michel Othoniel's 'COSMOS', and KAWS' 'Small Lie'.
Dining is another passenger favourite. HIA houses several industry firsts, including the Harrod's Tea Room, Oreo Café, Fendi Café, and Ralph's Coffee Shop. Travellers can also enjoy gourmet burgers and pizzas at Gordon Ramsey's Burger and Gordon Ramsey Street Pizza, alongside various food courts serving local Qatari cuisine. There's an impressive retail section as well, which is why HIA was crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2023. The airport has over 130 retail shops, including flagship stores for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, and Qatar Duty-Free.
Finally, you’ll have plenty of options to relax and unwind while waiting for your next flight. The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre at HIA features a 25-metre swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a spa, a golf simulator, and a squash court. You’ll also find rest and refreshment at the multiple sleep' n fly lounges, shower facilities, and the Be Relax Spa scattered throughout the airport.
If you’re part of the British Airways Club, you can use your Avios points for flights to fly to Qatar from London on British Airways. Return off-peak Premium Economy reward seats are available from 85,000 Avios plus £305.
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Changi Airport, Singapore
Good things come in small packages, and Changi Airport proves that right, winning the Skytrax award for Best World Airport 12 times. This time, it finds itself one rung below the top spot, but with all it has to offer, don't be fooled by the second-best ranking; experiencing Changi truly is a traveller's delight.
The airport's streamlined processes, such as super quick security, passport control and baggage handling, immediately put you in a great mood. Its intuitive layout with clear signage and minimal wait times allows passengers to easily navigate terminals. Since it's an important transit hub, Changi has a vast network of global connections, which always keep it busy. However, with three convenient airport hotels, you never get the feeling of being in a busy airport. It’s the type of airport where you actually enjoy your waiting time, with 280 retail stores full of everything from high-end fashion to essential goods, all tax-free.
Changi takes entertainment seriously, with a 24-hour cinema at Terminal 3 showing the latest blockbusters. It even has gaming zones equipped with the newest consoles and games. Travellers can kill time by engaging in everything from virtual reality to arcade classics. You don’t even need to buy tokens; it's all free as you wait for your flight, secretly praying it gets delayed so you can get that high score.
Families will find plenty of play areas for children. While the little ones are distracted, adults can choose from several spas and wellness centres offering massages and beauty treatments. Those preferring to stay active can get that perfect selfie with the Singapore skyline in the background while swimming on the rooftop pool in Terminal 1.
To call Changi just an airport would be like calling the pyramids a pile of rocks. Changi is an experience, and no stopover to the airport is complete without visiting the Jewel Changi complex, which opened in 2019. The Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by a hedge maze, a suspended bridge, and the Canopy Park, makes up for all the waiting you might have endured for your flight. And if that's not enough of nature for you, the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 will make you feel like you're in a meadow, not an airport.
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, and dining at Changi reflects culinary diversity. From laksa to fresh sushi, a restaurant or outlet caters to every palate. And once you've had your fill, there's nothing like a siesta in any of the several Snooze Zones. Sit back and relax in the specially designed recliners and free massage chairs to boost yourself before the next leg of your journey.
BA flies into Singapore Changi from London, so you can use your Avios points for a flight on this route. Return off-peak Business Class reward seats are available from 220,000 Avios plus £625.
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Incheon Airport, Seoul
Located just outside Seoul, Incheon Airport is South Korea's largest airport. It has a very family-friendly vibe, with six soft play areas for children. One of the airport’s best features is the Ice Forest skating area, where children can rollerblade or ride tricycles in a dedicated section. It also includes a theatre, several restaurants, and coffee shops nearby. Mini-hotel rooms are conveniently available above these facilities for those with a longer layover.
You might not worry about charging outlets until your phone battery is almost dead. Luckily, you'll never run out of juice at Incheon, which has plenty of charging stations throughout the airport.
Since travelling is all about experiencing a new culture, Incheon Airport gives you a taste of South Korea with its Korean Culture Center, which introduces audiences to traditional Korean arts. Visitors can enjoy live music played on unique instruments, watch processions of people in colourful traditional Hanbok, and even participate in free workshops making jewellery boxes with traditional hanji paper or cellphone straps using age-old sewing techniques. Translators are on hand to make your experience richer.
The airport also has a Consul Public Service Center, business centres, internet cafes, spas, postal services, an on-site hospital and pharmacy, laundry services, optometry services, coat keeping, a prayer room, and designated smoking areas.
Finally, Incheon Airport also arranges two to six-hour city tours for transit passengers. For a minimal fee covering insurance and optional lunch, travellers can explore Seoul's landmarks, like the Gyeongbok Palace, accompanied by English-speaking guides on a chartered bus.
Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Haneda Airport flips your image of the conventional airport with long security lines and crowded terminals. Nestled just a stone's throw from the heart of Tokyo, it’s earned its reputation as Tokyo's best airport for several reasons, including its sleek design, exceptional amenities, and closeness to central Tokyo through the public transport system.
The airport features several elements you wouldn't find in any other airport worldwide. First on the list is Edo Koji, a charming Japanese street that recreates the ambience of the Edo period. Visitors can stroll through narrow lanes with shops full of handcrafted souvenirs and tasty local snacks. Another experience you'll find only at Haneda is the Haneda Airport Shrine, a spot for reflection dedicated to the spirits of travellers everywhere. For those interested in aviation or panoramic views, the airport's observation decks provide sweeping views of the runway and Tokyo skyline. They're the perfect spots for plane spotting or just enjoying the hustle and bustle of airport life.
Families travelling with children will be happy to know there are enough kid-friendly play areas to distract their little ones while they get a breather. If they've behaved well, you can treat them at the Doshin Juveniland TOKYO, which has more toys than you can imagine. Don't be embarrassed if you also feel like buying a couple of toys for yourself.
If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of culinary options at Haneda Airport. From the famous Ginza Sushi, known for its fresh sushi and sashimi, to Ramen Nagi, the airport presents a diverse palette of dining options. Casual eateries like LDH Kitchen and the Airport Grill & Bar are also available if you're in the mood for a relaxed atmosphere.
The airport also houses an exhaustive range of retail outlets and boutiques. Be sure to take advantage of the savings on offer at the duty-free shops. Once you've exhausted yourself, Haneda Airport features plenty of relaxing lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and a peaceful environment to unwind.
BA flies into Tokyo HND from London, so you can use your Avios on this route. Return off-peak Business Class reward seats are available from 200,000 Avios plus £575.
Narita Airport, Tokyo
Situated a little further outside Tokyo, Narita Airport is the yang to Haneda's yin. While Haneda caters more to domestic flights and international flights beyond Tokyo, Narita deals with long-haul flights into Europe, Asia, and North America. Thus, it makes sense for travellers flying in from far away to land at Narita rather than Haneda.
Out of sight doesn't mean out of mind at Narita, which, while further away from Tokyo, still has all the amenities one might expect at Haneda. More than 100 shops are available for Japanese souvenirs, but if you're looking for variety, head to Narita Airport Shopping Street for the best last-minute gifts. Don't forget to stock up on unique snacks at shops like Kuze Fuku & Co. or pick up last-minute gifts like flavoured Kit Kats and traditional teas. The Narita Airport Shopping Street is a treat for those looking to snag some last-minute gifts or enjoy a bit of retail therapy.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Press Butter Sand and N.Y.C. Sand shops in Terminal 2 are a must-visit. With over 100 shops, you can find everything from duty-free luxury items to traditional Japanese souvenirs. If you need reading material, head to Kaizosha-Shoten on the 4th floor of Terminal 2 for the latest bestseller.
Nothing washes away the tiredness of travelling like a quick hot shower. You're in luck. Narita Airport even has shower facilities in Terminal 1 after passport control.
You’ll also find plenty of dining options, with a selection that spans traditional Japanese fare and international dishes. Restaurants such as Tsukiji Sushiko and eateries in the airport's food courts make it easy for travellers to enjoy a delicious meal before their flight. It even has vegan options at T's TanTan in Terminal 2. Visitors can enjoy a Japanese tea house for a peaceful setting, while numerous fast-food choices available for a quick meal for those on the go. Like Haneda, Narita also provides complimentary Wi-Fi, numerous charging points, and nap rooms for travellers looking to recharge before continuing their journey.
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Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
The Paris Charles de Gaulle airport welcomes roughly 70 million travellers through its three terminals every year, making it one of the busiest airports in Europe.
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Espace Musées, located in departure hall M of Terminal 2E. This unique exhibition space hosts two major art exhibits annually, featuring original artworks on loan from prestigious Parisian museums. Previous showcases have included "Picasso Plein Soleil," with 35 of Picasso's pieces reflecting his time on the Côte D'Azur, and "Rodin. Les Ailes de la Gloire," displaying 50 of Rodin's works.
The airport has even compiled a custom playlist featuring tracks from French musicians, which can be accessed from the airport's official website. Just plug and play and enjoy a truly French experience. There's even a platform for live performances by international and French artists like Metronomy and Nicolas Godin.
Like Changi Airport, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport features a dedicated PlayStation PS4 gaming zone that provides the latest games at no cost. For those who prefer a retro gaming experience, an arcade area with classic gaming machines and vintage tables is also available.
You can't come to Paris and not shop. Explore the latest from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hérmes, Gucci, and Chanel. If you're looking to claim a VAT refund, don’t forget to bring the export sales form provided by the retailer. Remember to allow ample time for this process before your flight departs.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab a quick sandwich, coffee, or salad from options like Brioche Dorée, Paul, and Pret A Manger dotted across several terminals. Health-conscious travellers can visit Exki, Bert's, or Naked for nutritious alternatives. For those who'd like to sit down for a proper meal featuring French or international dishes, restaurants like Paname Tap House, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar, Le Café Cubiste, and Frenchy's are excellent choices.
If you plan on flying via British Airways into Paris CDG from London, return off-peak Economy reward seats are available from 18,500 Avios plus £1
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Dubai International Airport, Dubai
Whoever said money can't buy happiness has probably never been to Dubai International Airport. Consistently ranked as the world's busiest airport for international travel, DXB achieved a milestone by welcoming 92.3 million passengers in 2024. According to a recent study, it was ranked the most luxurious airport worldwide, considering factors such as the number of lounges, proximity to luxury hotels, designer shopping availability, and exclusive dining options like champagne and caviar bars.
With over 70 high-end hotels nearby and a five-star hotel within the airport, complete with zen gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, cinemas, and a variety of dining venues, DXB makes spending time at the airport feel more like a resort stay.
Anybody who's ever flown knows nobody does shopping like Dubai, and DXB certainly lives up to the hype, thanks to its world-leading duty-free stores across its terminals. If you have an overnight layover, you can book a room at the Dubai International Hotel in Terminal 1, which provides all the facilities one would expect from a hotel, including a swimming pool and conference facilities. Budget-friendly options like the Snooze Cube Hotel also provide comfortable resting spots with essential services like free Wi-Fi and timely wake-up calls.
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For those who want to escape the noise, DXB features serene Zen Gardens in Terminal 3, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of airport activity. For entertainment, Dubai International Airport goes beyond the norm with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and various dining and shopping options. It even holds the record for the fastest airport Wi-Fi worldwide. Finally, to avoid those long lines, DXB has implemented smart gates that process millions of passengers smoothly.
Flying from London to Dubai via British Airways using Avios points is possible by returning peak Premium Economy reward seats for 85,000 Avios plus £305.
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8, Munich Airport, Munich
Munich Airport, also known as Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, is one of Europe's most frequented airports. If you find yourself at a layover there with time to spare, there are a lot of activities on offer, starting with Airbräu, the first-ever brewery located within an airport. Beer and Germany go hand in hand, which makes tasting their range of local brews a must. Guests can choose to dine inside or enjoy the outdoor ambience of the beer garden. One of the highlights of the place is the opportunity to tour the brewery and observe the beer production process. Visitors can buy six-packs or beer barrels of the brewery's creations to take home as a souvenir.
If the beer gives you liquid courage, why not try your luck at an on-site casino? You’ll find plenty of card games and slot machines at both terminals to see whether those beer biceps can win you some money. If you prefer arcade games, head over to the Zeus Gaming Arcade at Terminal 2 for some classic video game fun.
One of the airport’s most loved attractions is The Visitor's Park, which features historic aircraft, a children's playground, and a range of interactive exhibits. The park's main draw is an 18-hole mini-golf course, where you can play a few rounds before your flight. You can also climb Visitor's Hill to get a panoramic view of airplanes taxiing on the runways.
For a longer layover, there's nothing quite like exploring the city of Munich. A train leaves from the terminal to the city centre every ten minutes. Map out your itinerary and make the most of those hours. Or, if you'd prefer to stay inside, why not hop on the airport tour bus and find out what goes on behind the workings of an airport? You will need some knowledge of the German language, though, since the tour is only conducted in German.
Other facilities include the Mountain Hub Spa, which gives you a day pass to access the fitness centre, steam bath, sauna, and swimming pool. There's even a Chi-Mas Institute within the airport for a much-needed acupressure massage to loosen those muscles. If you need to freshen up, there are chargeable shower facilities at Terminal 2.
BA flies into Munich from London, so you can use your Avios on this route. Return off-peak Economy reward seats are available from 18,500 Avios plus £1
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Zurich Airport, Zurich
Switzerland may be neutral, but you can't help but be swayed by the Zurich Airport. Though small, it makes up for its lack of size with its cosy, comforting vibe while providing all that an international traveller requires from a world-class airport. Starting with food – travellers will never prefer an airport without good culinary choices, and Zurich Airport has taken that advice to heart. With over 60 eateries, there are enough cafes, bars and sit-down restaurants to scratch every food-related itch you might have. Take your pick from the Caviar House Seafood Bar to the Filini Restaurant for a relaxed meal experience. For a more local vibe, try the Chalet Suisse. Lastly, there's always a Starbucks or Burger King for a quick recharge.
You’ll find lounges with a relaxing environment, food and drinks, as well as shower facilities. Browse through more than 60 in-terminal stores, boutiques, and retail outlets for all your shopping needs. This is Switzerland, after all; you can't have enough chocolates, watches, or jewellery. Keep an eye out for how much you spend, though, as you don't want to be stranded in an airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal.
Falling asleep on those plastic seats is an art form that takes years of cramped neck muscles and sore shoulders to master. For those who prefer a more relaxing sleeping experience, the most comfortable sleeping areas are located beyond the security checkpoint. Terminal B/D even houses a transit hotel with private rooms and a napping area with recliners, complete with access to showers and toiletries. The Alpine Garden Capsule Hotel provides sleep capsules in the terminal's public area. The Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport, which is directly accessible via a walkway from the terminal, and several other hotels within a short drive of the airport offer amenities such as free shuttle services and day rooms.
The airport also includes many other of the usual amenities such as gyms, airport tours and salons, and even a German-speaking scavenger hunt, but what makes Zurich so quintessentially Swiss is the PubliBike store, which lets you rent a bike to kill time by checking out the nearby hiking and ski trails.
You can use your Avios points to fly into Zurich from London via BA. Return off-peak Economy reward seats are available from 18,500 Avios plus £1
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Istanbul Airport, Istanbul
The first thing that hits you as you step into the atrium of Istanbul Airport is the abundance of natural light. Thanks to its well-thought-out passenger flow systems, the airport is structured for ease of movement. But beyond these, several distinctive features improve the traveller's experience. For book lovers, Istanbul just won the argument for the best airport with its special area dedicated to reading within the terminals. Accessible to both staff and visitors, this reading zone houses a collection of over 2,000 books spanning various genres. The facility is available daily from 7 am to 11 pm in the domestic terminal section. For those who want to further spruce up their cultural knowledge, there's an exclusive museum showcasing 316 artefacts borrowed from 29 museums celebrating Turkish culture.
Nobody relaxes like the Turks, who’ve raised the bar to another level with three TV lounges. The first one is in the international terminal near gate AG1, another near gate A1, and the third is across from Starbucks in Area B, perfect for those who wish to enjoy a coffee while they relax.
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The airport houses 44 sleep cabins for those wanting a power nap. These are strategically placed in the airport’s quieter sections. Extra pillows and blankets are available for a small fee. For people with special sleeping needs, Istanbul Airport also has 'Very Special Guest' rooms equipped with specially designed lighting and sensory features to provide a calm, safe space. Travellers can reserve access to these rooms in advance. Other facilities include a 'youth lounge' with comfortable seating, gaming options, coffee, snacks, and graphic novels catering to travellers ages 15 to 30, a full-service spa centre, and three 'Xpress Spas' for quicker treatments.
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Some of the other amenities on offer include shower facilities, three full-service pharmacies with prescription services, over-the-counter medications, and free blood pressure checks for those over 65. The airport even has three pet relief areas for your furry friends. Finally, Istanbul Airport puts its spin on shopping with the 'The Old Bazaar' located within the duty-free area. This market features local delicacies like Baklava and Turkish coffee, along with textiles and other goods. It’s ideal for picking up last-minute gifts or enjoying the local flavour before departure.
If you're planning to use your Avios to fly to Istanbul from London via BA, return off-peak Economy reward seats are available from 27,500 Avios plus £1.
