Roberta Aguirre
Airports are notoriously expensive, but some are more costly than others. When it comes to airport construction projects, Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport takes the cake with a staggering budget of $32 billion. However, when it comes to the cost of airfare and food, Istanbul Airport has been dubbed the 'most expensive airport in the world' by travellers who have experienced sticker shock from the exorbitant prices of food and drinks. In 2024, Dulles in the US was ranked as the most expensive airport in terms of airfare costs.
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What You'll Learn
Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia, US
Dulles Airport has been criticised for its high prices, with some labelling it the “most expensive airport" in the US. In 2024, flights from the airport averaged $250, with limited alternative options for passengers. The airport's high costs have been attributed to a lack of competition, with United Airlines dominating domestic routes.
Despite the high prices, Dulles Airport offers efficient security checks and generally punctual flights. The airport features a range of dining options, including the Commanders Burgundy and Gold Club, which provides a relaxing dining experience with a sports theme. The airport also boasts some of the best lounges in the country, such as the Capital One Lounge, which offers free food, drinks, and recharging stations for certain credit card holders.
In terms of its infrastructure, Dulles Airport occupies 13,000 acres of land, ranking fourth in the US. It was opened in 1962 and was initially considered a "white elephant" due to its remote location and limited flights. However, passenger traffic has grown significantly over the years, with Dulles now handling more than 20 million passengers annually since 2004. The airport has three long runways and one shorter one, accommodating a wide range of aircraft.
While Dulles Airport offers efficient services and modern facilities, its high prices may be a concern for travellers. Nevertheless, with its convenient location serving the Washington, D.C., area, the airport remains a popular choice for domestic and international travellers alike.
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Istanbul Airport, Turkey
Istanbul Airport in Turkey has been dubbed the 'most expensive airport in the world' by travellers who have spotted outrageous prices for food and drink. A beer costs €17.50 (£15), a Big Mac costs €21.50 (£18.50), and a banana costs €6 (£5). Burger King was also charging €22 (£19) for a Whopper. On Reddit, travellers have complained about the high prices, with one claiming they paid €6 for a banana.
Istanbul Airport is located in the Arnavutköy district on the European side of the city. It is the largest airport in Turkey and the second busiest airport in Europe and the Middle East, serving more than 76 million passengers in 2023. It is also one of the world's most likely airports for passengers to have their luggage go missing. The airport is expected to host more than 200 million passengers by 2025.
The airport is set to have four terminal buildings with interconnecting rail access, combining for a total indoor area of 3,200,000 square metres (34 million square feet). There will be a 6,500,000 square metre (70 million square feet) apron with a parking capacity of 500 aircraft, VIP lounges, cargo and general aviation facilities, a state palace, and indoor and outdoor parking that can accommodate up to 70,000 cars.
Istanbul Airport has received a 5-star rating from Skytrax, an international aviation organization. It was also named the 2024 winner of the Best Airport Dining category at the Skytrax Awards.
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Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah, US
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It is a joint civil-military international airport and is the closest commercial airport, along with Provo Airport and Ogden-Hinckley Airport, for over 3 million people. The airport serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is within a 30-minute drive of nearly 1.3 million jobs. It is the busiest airport in Utah, with 343 scheduled non-stop airline departures per day to 93 cities in North America and Europe.
In 2024, SLC International Airport set an all-time record with 28,364,610 passengers, a 5.2% increase from 2023. The airport has a LEED Gold-certified complex with one central terminal and two linear concourses. It features a modern parking garage, an all-electric baggage system, 58 restaurants and shops, a 28,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club, 16 security screening lanes, and Utah-themed art installations.
SLC International Airport has the third-highest average airfare in the country, with an average cost of $434, although this represents a slight decrease from the previous year's average of $438. The airport ranks highly for on-time departures and arrivals and has the fewest flight cancellations among major US airports.
The airport has convenient transportation options, including the TRAX light rail service, which provides a 20-minute connection to the city centre. Additionally, taxi, Uber, and Lyft services are available to downtown locations. Ground transportation is also offered to ski resorts and locations throughout Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, and Summit counties.
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San Francisco International Airport, California, US
The airport has four terminals: the North Terminal, the South Terminal, the Central Terminal, and Terminal 2. The Central Terminal was previously the main building before the addition of the North and South Terminals. It was then heavily rebuilt as the International Terminal in 1984 and modified as Terminal 2.
San Francisco International Airport has a Rental Car Center that allows travellers to pick up and drop off rental cars in one convenient location. The airport is also easily accessible via other means of transport. BART trains, SamTrans buses, and Millbrae station connect the airport to Caltrain. The Millbrae station will also be the connection to the California High-Speed Rail in the future. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport provided a free shuttle bus service to and from the South San Francisco Ferry Terminal. Additionally, there are door-to-door "shared ride" van and hotel courtesy shuttles available at the transportation island on the departure level. Limousines and charter services can be found on the arrivals/baggage claim level.
While San Francisco International Airport may be pricier than other airports, it is difficult to determine if it is the most expensive without specific data for comparison. However, according to rankings from 2024, Dulles Airport (IAD) was ranked as the most expensive airport in the US.
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John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, US
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay. It is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth-busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. The airport covers 5,200 acres, making it the largest in the New York metropolitan area.
JFK Airport is served by over 90 airlines, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations across all six inhabited continents. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways. It is accessible primarily by road, with connections to the JFK Expressway and Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway). The airport also has a dedicated radio station, with broadcasts by former New York City traffic reporter Bernie Wagenblast.
The airport was opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, but it was commonly known as Idlewild Airport, named after the Idlewild Beach Golf Course that previously occupied the site. In 1963, the airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport, in memory of the assassinated president.
In terms of costs, JFK Airport is one of the most expensive airports in the United States, with an average airfare of $427, placing it among the top five priciest airports in the country. Various factors can influence the cost of flying from JFK, including the specific airline, season, and demand. Additionally, airports with longer runways, like JFK, tend to have more expensive routes due to the larger planes operating on these routes.
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Frequently asked questions
Istanbul Airport has been dubbed the 'most expensive airport in the world' by travellers who spotted €17.50 beers, €25 McDonald's, and €6 bananas.
In 2024, Dulles was ranked as the most expensive airport in the U.S. Travellers have complained that flights cost upwards of $250.
Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai cost $32 billion to construct, making it the most expensive airport in the world.
