Airports Around the World

Embark on a fascinating exploration of the world’s top airports. This guide offers a detailed look at the busiest airports, those renowned for innovative use of technology, and those providing excellent dining options. Each airport has its unique features, contributing to your travel experience in its own special way.

 

Top 10 Airports of the World

 

Every year, Skytrax, a UK–based consultancy, conducts a study to rank the world’s best airports based on traveler surveys. Here are the top 10 airports for 2023:

 

RankAirport NameLocationNotable Feature
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeKnown for its butterfly garden, free cinema, and hawker-style food stalls.
2Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanRenowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and shopping options.
3Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaFamous for its cultural performances and free transit tours.
4Hamad International AirportQatarAdmired for its modern architecture and luxurious amenities.
5Munich AirportGermanyKnown for its on-site brewery and Christmas market.
6Zurich AirportSwitzerlandAppreciated for its efficiency and excellent shopping choices.
7London Heathrow AirportUKKnown for its extensive shopping selection and flight network.
8Kansai International AirportJapanFamous for its unique, island-based structure and design.
9Hong Kong International AirportHong KongCelebrated for its stunning architecture and flight training experiences.
10Doha Hamad International AirportQatarKnown for its spacious terminal filled with luxury amenities.

 

 


 

 

Top 10 Busiest Airports of the World

 

Busiest airports often reflect global economic and tourism hotspots. According to Airports Council International’s data, here are the top 10 busiest airports in terms of passenger traffic for 2023:

 

RankAirport NameLocationPassenger Traffic (in millions)
1Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportUSA107.4
2Beijing Capital International AirportChina101.0
3Los Angeles International AirportUSA88.1
4Dubai International AirportUAE86.3
5Tokyo Haneda AirportJapan85.0
6O’Hare International AirportUSA83.2
7London Heathrow AirportUK80.8
8Shanghai Pudong International AirportChina76.1
9Charles de Gaulle AirportFrance72.6
10Dallas/Fort Worth International AirportUSA71.9

 

 


 

Top 10 Airports for Shopping

 

Airports have evolved into global shopping destinations. Here are some airports that are recognized for their shopping experiences:

 

RankAirport NameLocationHighlight
1Dubai International AirportUAEKnown for its vast Duty-Free area with luxury brands.
2London Heathrow AirportUKOffers high-end shopping with brands like Gucci, Prada, and more.
3Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeProvides a mix of luxury and local brands.
4Paris Charles de Gaulle AirportFranceHome to the finest French luxury brands.
5Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaRenowned for its selection of beauty products.
6Hong Kong International AirportHong KongKnown for its array of electronic goods.
7Munich AirportGermanyOffers a unique shopping experience with a local Bavarian touch.
8Amsterdam Airport SchipholNetherlandsFamous for its tulip shops and cheese houses.
9Kuala Lumpur International AirportMalaysiaKnown for a wide variety of local craft and gift shops.
10Doha Hamad International AirportQatarOffers luxury shopping and an impressive selection of watches and jewelry.

 

 


Top 10 Airports with the Best Food

 

For food-loving travelers, the airport can be the first place to get a taste of local cuisine or enjoy gourmet meals. Here are the top airports known for their food offerings:

 

RankAirport NameLocationHighlight
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeOffers a wide variety of food from Michelin star meals to local hawker stalls.
2Tokyo Narita AirportJapanKnown for its sushi bars and ramen stalls.
3London Heathrow AirportUKHosts a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.
4Hong Kong International AirportHong KongRenowned for its dim sum and seafood offerings.
5Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaFamous for its bibimbap and Korean BBQ.
6Munich AirportGermanyKnown for its on-site brewery.
7Sydney Kingsford Smith AirportAustraliaFamous for its seafood bar.
8Rome Fiumicino AirportItalyKnown for its excellent selection of pizza and pasta.
9Bangkok Suvarnabhumi AirportThailandOffers a great selection of Thai street food.
10Istanbul AirportTurkeyKnown for its traditional Turkish cuisine offerings.

 


 

 

Top 10 Greenest Airports in the World

 

Environmental responsibility is increasingly important in travel. These airports lead the way in sustainable practices:

 

RankAirport NameLocationGreen Initiative
1Galápagos Ecological AirportEcuadorThe world’s first green airport, powered entirely by sun and wind.
2San Francisco International AirportUSAHas a strong focus on zero waste, carbon neutrality, and renewable energy.
3Stockholm Arlanda AirportSwedenAmbitious plans for zero emissions by 2020.
4Amsterdam Airport SchipholNetherlandsKnown for its use of renewable energy and commitment to reduce carbon emissions.
5Zurich AirportSwitzerlandUtilizes photovoltaic systems and promotes e-mobility.
6Vancouver International AirportCanadaHas various green initiatives including waste reduction and wildlife management.
7Copenhagen AirportDenmarkCommitted to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.
8Munich AirportGermanyAims to be Germany’s first carbon-neutral airport.
9Bengaluru Kempegowda International AirportIndiaThe first airport in India to operate on solar power.
10Brisbane AirportAustraliaKnown for its innovative waste management strategies.

 

 


Top 10 Airports for Layovers

 

Sometimes a layover can be an enjoyable part of your travel experience. These airports are known for their passenger-friendly features that can turn a layover into a mini-vacation:

 

RankAirport NameLocationLayover Highlight
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeFeatures a butterfly garden, rooftop swimming pool, and a free cinema.
2Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaOffers free city tours for passengers on long layovers.
3Hamad International AirportQatarLuxurious amenities include a swimming pool, gym, and spa.
4Munich AirportGermanyKnown for its mini-golf and the historic airplane on display.
5Zurich AirportSwitzerlandOffers bike and inline-skate rentals and excursions to the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne.
6Tokyo Narita AirportJapanProvides Traditional Japanese cultural experiences, such as tea ceremony and kimono dressing.
7Dubai International AirportUAEHouses a Zen Garden, sleep pods, and a swimming pool.
8Vancouver International AirportCanadaShowcases a massive aquarium and offers behind-the-scenes tours.
9Helsinki AirportFinlandSaunas in the airport lounge for a true Finnish experience.
10Doha Hamad International AirportQatarOffers quiet rooms, game rooms, and a full-service gym.


Top 10 Most Scenic Airports

 

These airports offer some of the most breathtaking scenic landings in the world:

 

RankAirport NameLocationScenic Description
1Queenstown AirportNew ZealandOffers a majestic view of mountains and lakes.
2Nice Côte d’Azur AirportFranceProvides stunning views of the French Riviera.
3Princess Juliana International AirportSaint MartinKnown for low beach overpass approach.
4Billy Bishop Toronto City AirportCanadaOffers striking city views during landing.
5Male International AirportMaldivesSpectacular view of the coral atolls in the Indian Ocean.
6Juancho E. Yrausquin AirportSabaKnown for its spectacular approach over a cliff.
7Paro AirportBhutanOffers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.
8Gibraltar International AirportGibraltarUnique view of the famous Rock of Gibraltar.
9Barra AirportScotlandThe only airport in the world where scheduled flights use a beach as the runway.
10Santos Dumont AirportBrazilOffers stunning views of the Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue.

 

 


Top 10 Airports with Unique Architectural Design

 

Airports aren’t just transport hubs – they’re architectural marvels too. Here are some of the most uniquely designed airports:

RankAirport NameLocationArchitectural Highlight
1Beijing Daxing International AirportChinaDesigned like a phoenix, this is one of the largest airports in the world.
2Marrakesh Menara AirportMoroccoA blend of traditional Moroccan design with high-tech architecture.
3Kansai International AirportJapanDesigned by Renzo Piano, this airport is built on an artificial island.
4Denver International AirportUSAFamous for its tent-like roof structure resembling the Rocky Mountains.
5Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas AirportSpainKnown for its wave-like ceilings and use of natural light.
6King Abdulaziz International AirportSaudi ArabiaIts Hajj terminal is designed to accommodate 80,000 travelers at once.
7Wellington International AirportNew ZealandFeatures a terminal called ‘The Rock,’ which mimics the surrounding landscape.
8Bilbao AirportSpainKnown as ‘The Dove,’ its design was inspired by a bird in flight.
9Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaCombines traditional Korean elements with futuristic architecture.
10Baku Heydar Aliyev AirportAzerbaijanDesigned by famous architect Zaha Hadid, known for its fluid form and white color scheme.

 


Top 10 Airports for Business Travelers

 

Business travelers need efficiency and facilities that cater to their needs. Here are the top airports for business travel:

 

RankAirport NameLocationBusiness Travel Highlight
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeEfficient processes, a multitude of lounges, and excellent connectivity.
2Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanIts Business Aviation Terminal provides exceptional service.
3Qatar Hamad International AirportQatarExcellent business facilities and quick connections for onward flights.
4London Heathrow AirportUKProvides an array of lounges and top-tier services for business travelers.
5Hong Kong International AirportHong KongOffers extensive facilities for business, including meeting rooms and lounges.
6Munich AirportGermanyKnown for its VIP Wing, offering personalized services and privacy.
7Zurich AirportSwitzerlandProvides high-quality business services and short transfer times.
8Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaKnown for its speedy immigration processes and business facilities.
9Dallas/Fort Worth International AirportUSAIts Founders’ Plaza is a popular spot for business meetings.
10Dubai International AirportUAEOffers a range of business lounges and a fast-track through security.

 


Top 10 Airports for Pet-Friendly Travel

 

For many, pets are part of the family and often become travel companions. These airports offer facilities to make your pet’s journey as comfortable as yours:

 

RankAirport NameLocationPet-Friendly Facility
1John F. Kennedy International AirportUSAHas a pet terminal named “The ARK” providing top-class pet handling.
2Frankfurt AirportGermanyOffers “Animal Lounge”, the world’s most advanced animal station.
3Amsterdam Schiphol AirportNetherlandsFeatures pet-friendly amenities and good veterinary facilities.
4Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International AirportUSAProvides several pet relief areas and parks.
5Zurich AirportSwitzerlandBoasts animal rooms and individual care for pets in transit.
6Tokyo Narita AirportJapanOffers several pet relief areas.
7Los Angeles International AirportUSAHas a special pet relief area equipped with grass and benches.
8Denver International AirportUSAHas pet care facilities, including a pet resort.
9London Heathrow AirportUKOffers a well-equipped Animal Reception Centre.
10San Francisco International AirportUSAProvides a range of pet relief areas and a pet therapy program.


Top 10 Most Social-Media Friendly Airports

 

Social media is a significant part of the modern travel experience. Here are the top airports that are most “instagrammable”:

 

RankAirport NameLocationSocial Media Highlight
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeThe Jewel and its Rain Vortex, a butterfly garden, and the world’s tallest slide in an airport.
2Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaTraditional Korean cultural performances and architecture.
3Hamad International AirportQatarThe monumental Lamp Bear and the luxurious interiors.
4Los Angeles International AirportUSAThe iconic LAX sign and modern architecture.
5Dubai International AirportUAEThe indoor palm trees, zen gardens, and luxury retail spaces.
6Wellington International AirportNew ZealandThe Hobbit and Lord of the Rings installations.
7Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanEdo-style shopping street and traditional Japanese gardens.
8Madrid Barajas AirportSpainThe colorful terminals and wave-like ceilings.
9Marrakesh Menara AirportMoroccoThe stunning geometrical designs and the blend of modern and traditional Moroccan architecture.
10Beijing Daxing International AirportChinaThe stunning starfish-like design of the airport terminal.

 


Top 10 Airports with the Best Public Transport Links

 

Good public transport links are crucial for many travelers. These airports provide the best options:

 

RankAirport NameLocationPublic Transport Highlight
1Hong Kong International AirportHong KongThe Airport Express takes passengers to downtown in just 24 minutes.
2Zurich AirportSwitzerlandExcellent train and tram connections to various Swiss destinations.
3Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaAREX express service connects to Seoul in 43 minutes.
4Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanMonorail and private rail lines provide easy access to Tokyo.
5Munich AirportGermanyS-Bahn lines connect the airport with Munich city center.
6Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeMRT trains link the airport with the city center.
7Amsterdam Schiphol AirportNetherlandsTrains run directly from the airport to Amsterdam central station.
8London Heathrow AirportUKThe Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to reach central London.
9San Francisco International AirportUSABART rapid rail connects the airport with the Bay Area.
10Sydney Kingsford Smith AirportAustraliaAirport Link trains run to Sydney city center.

 


Top 10 Airports for Aviation Enthusiasts

 

For aviation geeks, some airports offer a superior plane-spotting experience:

 

RankAirport NameLocationPlane-Spotting Highlight
1London Heathrow AirportUKOffers the Heathrow Plane Spotter Watch in Terminal 2.
2Los Angeles International AirportUSAThe Imperial Hill spot offers panoramic views of south complex arrivals and departures.
3Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanThe observation deck offers views of various domestic and international airlines.
4Frankfurt AirportGermanyVisitors Terrace provides an excellent view of takeoffs and landings.
5Amsterdam Schiphol AirportNetherlandsThe Panorama Terrace provides a 360-degree view of the airport.
6Sydney Kingsford Smith AirportAustraliaShep’s Mound is a popular plane-spotting location.
7Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson AirportUSAThe South Parking Deck offers great views of aircraft.
8Zurich AirportSwitzerlandThe observation decks B and E provide great views of aircraft operations.
9Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeThe sunflower garden offers views of planes along with beautiful sunflowers.
10Toronto Pearson International AirportCanadaThe Wendy’s parking lot at Airport Road is a known spotting location.

 

 


Top 10 Airports with the Most Advanced Technology

 

Technology plays an increasing role in improving efficiency and enhancing passenger experience at airports. Here are some of the leaders:

 

RankAirport NameLocationTechnology Highlight
1Singapore Changi AirportSingaporeUses facial recognition systems and autonomous robots.
2Dubai International AirportUAEBiometric passport control and smart gates enhance efficiency.
3Seoul Incheon International AirportSouth KoreaUses AI, IoT and big data for operations and passenger services.
4Tokyo Haneda AirportJapanProvides robotic assistance and smart security checkpoints.
5London Heathrow AirportUKEmploys biometric technology and UV robots for cleaning.
6Los Angeles International AirportUSAUses biometric boarding and automated screening lanes.
7Amsterdam Schiphol AirportNetherlandsFeatures self-service bag drops and biometric passport control.
8Beijing Daxing International AirportChinaEmploys facial recognition systems for security and boarding.
9Sydney Kingsford Smith AirportAustraliaUses facial recognition technology for seamless travel.
10Bengaluru Kempegowda International AirportIndiaEmploys an automated baggage drop system and self-baggage scanning.