Skytrax, a leading consumer aviation rating agency, recently conducted its 2017 survey to identify the best airports in the world. The results, acknowledged as the World Airport Awards or the “Oscars of the aviation industry,” hold immense prestige. These awards are based on a comprehensive global airport customer satisfaction survey, the largest of its kind, where travelers worldwide cast their votes. The awards are widely recognized as the Passengers Choice Awards and serve as a global standard for airport excellence.
The rankings are derived from the impressions of nearly 14 million flyers from 105 countries, covering more than 550 airports. The survey assesses 39 service and performance aspects, including facility comfort, restroom location, and the language skills of airport staff.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 airports on the prestigious Skytrax list:
10. Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Frankfurt Airport ranks as the fourth-busiest airport in Europe and is a key transit hub globally. It serves as the home base for Lufthansa’s fleet of over 270 jets. Skytrax reviewers appreciated the easy transit between terminals and the plentiful shopping and dining options, although some mentioned long lines at immigration. The airport handles 61 million passengers each year.
9. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is the third-busiest airport globally and the largest of the five major airports serving London. Currently undergoing a significant renovation, including a new Terminal 2 building, its Terminal 5 was named the world’s best airport terminal by Skytrax. Heathrow is the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, accommodating 75 million passengers yearly.
8. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
Located just 8 miles from Zurich’s center, Zurich Airport is the home base for Swiss International Air Lines and acts as a hub connecting Switzerland’s largest city to the rest of the country. The airport offers unique amenities like bicycle and inline-skate rentals and excursions to the Swiss Museum of Transport. It sees 28 million passengers annually.
7. Central Japan International Airport (NGO)
Situated on an artificial island in Ise Bay near Nagoya, this airport, also known as Centrair, serves as a focus city for Japan Airlines and ANA. It boasts a 1,000-foot sky deck providing views of ships entering the Port of Nagoya and a traditional Japanese bathhouse where travelers can relax and watch the sunset. It handles 10 million passengers per year.
6. Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Opened in 2014, Hamad International is the hub for Qatar Airways. Spread over 5,400 acres and costing $16 billion to construct, Skytrax describes it as the most architecturally significant and luxurious terminal complex in the world. The airport accommodates 30 million passengers annually.
5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Built on an artificial island off Hong Kong’s coast, the airport has grown into one of the world’s busiest since its opening in 1998. It is the home base for Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and Dragonair. In addition to its facilities, travelers can play at the SkyCity Nine Eagles golf course near Terminal 2. The airport manages 68 million passengers yearly.
4. Munich Airport (MUC)
Located northeast of downtown Munich, this airport is one of the busiest in Europe and the second-busiest in Germany after Frankfurt. Munich serves as a major hub for Air Berlin, Lufthansa, and Condor and features open, glass-heavy architecture. A nearby visitor park offers mini-golf and historic aircraft displays. The airport sees 43 million passengers each year.
3. Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Holding its position among the top airports, Incheon ranks third globally. Located on an island near Seoul, it is the home base for Korean Air and ranks as the 24th-busiest airport worldwide since its 2001 opening. Incheon offers excellent shopping, dining, cultural performances, and even a Korean culture museum. It welcomes 49 million passengers annually.
2. Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
Haneda is one of Tokyo’s two major international airports. Close to the city center, it caters to both business travelers and tourists. Known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and shopping, Haneda is the world’s fifth-busiest airport, handling 75 million passengers each year.
1. Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)
For the fifth consecutive year, Changi takes the top spot as the best airport worldwide. Home to Singapore Airlines, Silkair, and Tigerair, it is the 16th-busiest airport globally. Changi is celebrated for its stunning architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, and diverse dining and shopping options. Travelers can enjoy amenities such as movie theatres, a multimedia entertainment deck, spas, and a wild corkscrew slide. The airport serves 55 million passengers annually.