Nowadays, people travel more than ever before. This is largely thanks to many things becoming affordable and accessible such as airfare, transportation, and technology. Though most of us heed about cheap fare and hotel rates, sometimes, we set aside the idea of sojourning in an air terminal.
Here, I have gathered the best airports in the world based on Skytrax (a consumer-aviation website). The ranking is based off reviews and ratings from 14 million flyers from 105 countries. We’re by no means suggesting you to pick your next holiday destination based on this list. But hopefully reading this article will help provide you with important facts and information for your next getaway. Let’s now take a closer look at the 15 best airports in the world!
1. Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Copenhagen Airport is one of the oldest international airports in Europe. It is the largest airport among the Nordic countries, having about 29 million passengers in the year 2016. The airport is also the central hub of Scandinavian Airlines and the operating headquarters for Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Introduced on April 20th 1925, Copenhagen Airport was one of the first civil airports in the world that feature two terminals (Terminal 2 and 3). In the year 2010, an additional section was added dedicated to low-cost carriers such as EasyJet, Transavia, and Ryanair that is easily accessible from Terminal 3. Though the airport’s crowd is seldom uncontrollable, passengers have admired the facilities, particularly the clear and well-placed signposts.
2. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan is a major hub point for passengers with connecting flights to various destinations. It serves several airlines such as for ANA, Japan Airlines, Delta, and United as well as low-cost carriers such as Jetstar Japan, Peach, and Vanilla Air. Passengers who previously had flights in Narita Airport love how the airport has efficient and friendly staff. Also, you need not worry if you feel hungry while waiting to board your flight as this airport offers a vast array of dining alternatives (and even bento boxes for your flight). What a great way to start or end an adventure!
3. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Boarding a plane at Vancouver International Airport might have you questioning if you are at a terminal or a museum thanks to its art collections. Killing two birds with one stone, right? Situated on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, YVR features a floatplane terminal where you will land safe and sound. It is the second busiest airport in Canada serving approximately 22.3 million passengers annually. In fact, it has been a top-ranked airport for eight years straight for maintaining its good service and facilities to its passengers. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a hassle-free access to Vancouver’s city center!
4. Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Japan is an enormous country and boasts a number of airports. One airport worth mentioning is Kansai International Airport, situated on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, 38 km (23.6 miles) southwest of Osaka Station. The airport opened on September 4th 1994 to help reduce the congestion at Osaka International Airport. It is a major hub for All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines. Reviewers on Skytrax lauded the airport’s modern architecture which was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect and engineer. No need to go to another viewing platform as KIX airport features its own Sky View deck that offers a magnificent view of incoming and outgoing flights. In KIX, you won’t get bored while you wait for boarding!
5. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, or simply Schiphol, is the main international airport of the Netherlands situated 9 km (5.6 mi) Southwest of Amsterdam. It is the third busiest airport in Europe, having 58.3 million passengers yearly. It originally opened on September 16th 1916 as a military base during the First World War. It was only in the year 1949 when Schiphol Airport became the primary airport of the Netherlands. Reviewers on Skytrax love the airport for its array of leisure activities. In fact, in the summer of 2010, the airport opened its own library alongside a museum with a collection of 1,200 books relating to the country’s history and culture. So if you find yourself at Schiphol with a flight delay, turn that frown upside down and check out the library!
6. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport is a major international airport found in…you guessed it! Frankfurt. FRA serves as the main hub for Lufthansa and its affiliates. It is the busiest airport in Germany in terms of passenger traffic and the fourth busiest airport in Europe with approximately 60 million passengers in the year 2016. What passengers love about the airport is its wide array of shopping stores perfect for those who still want to have some last minute shopping. Plus, you can choose from the many dining options such as Deli Bros and Käfer’S Frankfurt.
7. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the world and the busiest airport in Europe by passenger traffic, accommodating about 75 million passengers each year. It is the primary hub for British Airways and is a base for Virgin Atlantic. On October 2016, thanks to the government’s announcement of Heathrow being the preferred option for expansion, developments of plans for a new runway have begun. The airport has 5 terminals in total, with Terminal 5 being named the second best airport terminal in the world by Skytrax.
8. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Zurich Airport is the biggest international airport in Switzerland. It is located 13 km (8 miles) north of Central Zurich and a major hub of Swiss International Air Lines. The airport’s gimmick is perfect for passengers who are having prolonged delays with their flights such as bicycle and inline-skate rentals. This is an ideal activity if you want to explore the area outside of the airport while stuck in a long layover. Plus, you may take advantage of a quick side trip to the Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne. Zurich Airport surely makes a fun and memorable layover!
9. Central Japan International Airport (NGO)
Another airport in the country of Japan that made it on the list is the Central Japan International Airport. Also known as Chubu Centrair International Airport (Chubu meaning “central”), is an airport situated on an artificial island in Ise Bay, Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture south of Nagoya in Central Japan. Apart from being one of the best airports in the world, it also claims the title for being the best regional airport in the world. It boasts a 305-meter (1000-foot) Sky Deck which gives a magnificent view of the Port of Nagoya as well as airplanes up close. Passengers can also experience a bathhouse, the first of its kind in Japan, where passengers can have a quick dip and relax. The bathhouse also offers a view of the Ise Bay and planes going in and out of the airport.
10. Hamad International Airport (DOH)
One of the newest addition to the world’s list of airports is Hamad International Airport which opened on April 30, 2014. It was formerly known as the New Doha International Airport, which ousted Doha International Airport (Qatar’s main airport). Hamad International Airport serves as the base for Qatar Airways. The airport’s construction cost a whopping 16 billion USD, dubbing it as the most luxurious airport by Skytrax’s reviewers. It was also the first airport in the Middle East to receive a 5-star award for joining the list of top airports in the world. The airport also features lounges, shops, restaurants, charging spots and sleeping areas to make your transit as relaxing as possible.
11. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
We all know that Hong Kong is a place tourists flock from all over the world for business or pleasure. That’s why it is great to have an airport that is convenient and easily accessible to all types of passengers. Hong Kong International Airport is the main airport in Hong Kong and is the primary hub of its flag carrier, Cathy Pacific. It is a popular hub and gateway for visitors traveling to destinations in Mainland China and the rest of Asia. Built largely on reclaimed land, the airport became operational in 1998. Passengers who have a layover or flight delay may head to the IMAX theater in Terminal 2. It has the largest screen in Hong Kong and can seat of up to 350 persons at a time. Never a dull moment at HKG Airport!
12. Munich Airport (MUC)
Munich Airport placed fourth this year, moving down from their third position in 2016. It is the second-busiest airport in Germany and the seventh busiest airport in Europe with approximately 42 million passengers accommodated annually. Aside from Frankfurt, MUC serves as the secondary hub of Lufthansa including Lufthansa Regional and its Star Alliance partners. Not far from the airport will you find the Visitors Park which was set out by the airport authorities for visitors and wanderers. It features a Visitors Hill and displays three historic aircraft such as a Super Constellation, a Douglas DC-3, and a Junkers Ju 52/3m. Visitors can also score aircraft models and memorabilia at the gift shop. Fret not if you are hungry, as the park also has a delicious restaurant!
13. Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Though they previously ranked second last year, Incheon International airport still manages to maintain its spot on the prestigious list of Skytrax’s best airports in the world. It is also the world’s cleanest airport. Opened in 2001, Incheon International Airport is the largest and the primary airport in South Korea. It is home to Korean Air - the country’s flag carrier. Reviewers on Skytrax love the airport’s diverse dining facilities. If shopping in the city center isn’t enough, you can purchase things at the airport with its numerous of shops. Culture is important in South Korea and that’s why even at the airport, you can find cultural performances showcased. In fact, there’s a Cultural Museum of Korean where you can try on their iconic traditional dress Hanbok.
14. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
One of the two major international airports in Tokyo which vaulted from fourth place to second place is Tokyo Haneda International Airport. It is the principal base of Japan’s two major domestic airlines Japan Airlines (Terminal 1) and ANA (Terminal 2). Japan is a popular destination be it for business or leisure. Nowadays, Japan is one of the most sought after countries to visit by globetrotters around the world. In fact, the airport had a whopping 75.3 million passengers yearly. Good thing the airport still provides the same level of service with its efficient staff and clean facilities. Plus you can choose from the many shopping emporia inside while waiting for your next flight!
15. Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)
Are you even surprised?! Singapore Changi International Airport has been on the top airports for the past five years. This airport is unbeatable when it comes to its world-class architecture. It is one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia, and is the 16th busiest airport in the world with approximately 55.4 million passengers annually. Changi is notable for its luxurious amenities complemented with extravagant treatment to flyers. You will never be bored by a prolonged layover with the number of activities such as large-screen televisions, video game consoles, and movie theaters. Would you believe that the airport has its own attraction? Well, Changi features a first Butterfly Garden in an airport where you can relax while waiting for your next flight. There’s even the cactus garden and sunflower garden for a relaxing stroll in nature before catching your next flight. If this isn’t enough, you may opt to treat yourself to the spa within the airport. Make sure not to miss your flight with these things to do at the airport!
All airports are distinctive
As you can see, all airport have a different scheme and gimmick when it comes to providing their services. It may or may not attract all travelers, but all of it will surely be remembered by passengers. Have fun enjoying the airport services and facilities! Bon voyage!
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