Check out the 2024 World Airport Survey results to find out the ratings of the best airports in the world as voted by air travelers worldwide.
For the last decade, Singapore’s Changi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport have been going back and forth, battling over the title of ‘world’s best’.
Skytrax, a UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site, conducts an annual survey of travelers worldwide to determine the best airports in the world. For the year 2024, Qatar’s airport has been named the best airport due to its ultra-modern design, easy-to-navigate terminals, and high-end shopping options.
Singapore (SIN) had the title in 2023 and 2020, while Doha (DOH) took the gong in 2022 and 2021.
Best Airport in the World: Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport, which is the primary airport for Doha and covers an area of 600,000 square meters, has been ranked as the top airport in the world. It is around one-third the size of the capital city of Qatar and is known for its opulent and architecturally significant terminal complex. Despite coming in second place the previous year, Hamad International Airport has now been recognized as the world’s best airport.
Qatar Airways Group’s CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, stated that Hamad International Airport is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and the airport is proud to have been voted the best airport in the world for the third time by passengers. He further added that the airport will continue to provide exceptional services to its customers, and create unforgettable journeys for them in the future.
DOH is one of several airports that offer free city tours for passengers with long layovers, which earned it high marks from respondents. It’s also home to the Oryx Airport Hotel, where visitors can enjoy spa treatments, a squash court, and an 82-foot swimming pool.
The Skytrax Rankings were revealed during the World Airport Awards ceremony held in Frankfurt, Germany on April 17. The data was collected from over 100 nationalities from August 2023 till March 2024. The respondents were surveyed on various aspects such as the ease of passing through security checkpoints, quality and variety of food and drinks, and more.
Dominance of European Airports
Nine out of the top 20 best airports in the world are located in Europe, which includes airports in Vienna, Madrid, and Istanbul. Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the highest-ranked airport among them, placing sixth on the list. In anticipation of the Paris Olympics scheduled for this summer, the French city has invested significantly in upgrading its airport infrastructure, and it appears that the investment has paid off.
Terminal 3 at CDG has been named the world’s best low-cost terminal, while Paris Orly (ORY) has been named the best regional airport in Europe.
Skytrax has awarded several European airports with impressive accolades. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) was recognized as the world’s best airport for security processing. Zurich Airport (ZRH) was named the best airport in the 20-30 million passengers per year division, and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) was ranked as the highest-performing airport in the 10-20 million annual passengers category.
Japan shines
Seven of Skytrax’s top 20 airports are located in Asia. Both of Tokyo’s airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), made it to the top 10, with Haneda ranking one notch higher than Narita in fourth place.
New Chitose Airport in Sapporo (CTS) was awarded the title for the most improved airport in the world, whereas Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya (NGO) won the best airport award in the 5-10 million passengers per year category.
Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves the Osaka area, scored the award for the world’s best airport baggage delivery.
Skytrax Rankings: 10 Best Airports in the World 2024
- Hamad International Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Incheon International Airport
- Haneda Airport
- Narita International Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Munich International Airport
- Zurich International Airport
- Istanbul International Airport
Since 1999, the Skytrax World Airport Awards have been based on passenger surveys in areas such as arrivals, check-in, immigration, shopping, transfers, security, and departure.
Base of Rankings
The ranking of the world’s top 100 best airports in 2024 is based on a combination of factors, including surveys, passenger reviews, operational efficiency, and overall service quality. Leading aviation organizations, travel publications, and customer feedback were considered in compiling this list. The airports were evaluated based on criteria such as cleanliness, security, immigration efficiency, ease of navigation, amenities, dining options, and customer service.
Final Words
The world’s top 100 best airports in 2024 showcase the commitment of these airports to provide exceptional experiences for travelers. From efficient operations to outstanding facilities, these airports have set the benchmark for excellence in the aviation industry. As travelers continue to explore the world, these airports offer seamless journeys and ensure that the travel experience begins and ends on a high note.
