Ruth Haines
There are many factors that determine the world's best airport, such as cleanliness, friendliness of airport staff, the ease of getting to and from the airport, terminal design, and dining options. In 2024, Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, was named the best airport in the world by Skytrax. It is known for its ultra-modern design, easy-to-navigate terminals, and high-end shopping. In 2025, Singapore's Changi Airport took the top spot, with its indoor gardens, rooftop terraces, and playgrounds. Other notable mentions include Hong Kong International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Incheon International Airport.
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What You'll Learn
Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, Qatar, has been voted the world's best airport by Skytrax in 2024. It has also been described as the most architecturally significant terminal complex in the world, as well as the most luxurious. HIA is the hub airport for Qatar Airways. The airport is located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) east of the older Doha International Airport. It is spread over an area of 3,600 hectares (9,000 acres) and has two parallel runways, which are designed for simultaneous take-offs and landings. The first runway is considered the longest in Western Asia and one of the longest in the world at 4,850 metres (15,910 feet) long.
HIA offers endless shopping, dining, and relaxation options. It features an eco-friendly hotel facility with elegant rooms, 24/7 room service, and first-class amenities for short stays. The airport also boasts an indoor tropical garden and iconic art installations. Passengers with long layovers can take advantage of free city tours, which have earned the airport high marks from travellers.
HIA began passenger operations in 2014, with an initial annual capacity of 29 million passengers. An expansion plan was announced in 2015, which included extending the check-in area and concourses, as well as adding new passenger amenity areas. In 2019, the airport witnessed a 12.4% increase in annual passenger traffic, with over 38.8 million passengers arriving.
The planning for HIA started in 2003, as the older Doha International Airport lacked the land needed for expansion and could not accommodate a second runway. HIA was designed to cater to the projected increase in traffic volume, and upon completion, it will be able to handle 93 million passengers per year, making it the second-largest airport in the region after Dubai.
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Changi Airport, Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport, located in the district of Changi, is the primary international airport serving Singapore. It is one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia, with more than 100 airlines operating flights to over 400 cities in approximately 100 countries worldwide. The airport is served by two runways, each 4 kilometres long, with a third runway currently closed due to the construction of Terminal 5. Changi Airport has an impressive list of accolades, having won over 680 awards, including 28 "Best Airport" awards in 2019 alone.
The airport's history dates back to the 1970s when Singapore's main international airport was facing congestion issues due to the rapid growth in global aviation transport. The government considered expanding the existing airport at Paya Lebar but ultimately decided to build a new airport at the eastern tip of the main island, in Changi. This decision was influenced by the potential for urban growth around Paya Lebar, which would restrict the airport's expansion options.
Changi Airport has continuously invested in upgrading its infrastructure to maintain its high standards. It is known for its innovative use of technology to deliver a personalised experience for travellers. The airport is also a destination in its own right, featuring unique attractions such as indoor forests, waterfalls, an airport butterfly garden, a free 24-hour movie theatre, and a rooftop pool and hot tub overlooking the runways.
Changi Airport serves as the home base for several airlines, including BOC Aviation, Jetstar Asia, Singapore Airlines, and Scoot. It is strategically located in Singapore, making it a favourable destination for high-demand layovers. The airport also serves as a focus city for Qantas and the flagship cargo hub for FedEx Express. With its impressive facilities, efficient operations, and convenient connections, Changi Airport has solidified its reputation as one of the world's best airports.
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Incheon Airport, Seoul
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the world's busiest airports. It is located 48 kilometres (30 miles) west of Seoul, the country's capital and largest city. The airport is a hub for several airlines, including Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, and Polar Air Cargo. Incheon is also a major hub for international civilian air transportation and cargo traffic in East Asia.
Incheon International Airport was constructed to meet the growing demand for air transport in the 21st century and to serve as a hub airport in Northeast Asia. The airport has two passenger terminals with a total of 111 boarding gates. Terminal 1 has 44 gates, while Terminal 2 has 37. The terminals are connected by the underground "Starline" train, and a landside connecting system (bus shuttle) is used for employees and departing passengers who need to move between terminals.
In addition to its role in air transportation, Incheon Airport offers a range of amenities and attractions for travellers. These include a golf course, a spa, private sleeping rooms, an ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens, a video game centre, and the Museum of Korean Culture. The airport has also been recognised for its capacity to handle a large volume of passengers and cargo. After expansion works completed in 2017, the airport's annual capacity increased to 62 million passengers and 5.8 million tonnes of cargo.
Incheon International Airport has received several accolades and recognition over the years. It was voted the best airport for travelling families in 2024 by Skytrax. Additionally, the airport was a former winner of the prestigious Airport of the Year title at the World Airport Awards.
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Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Haneda Airport, also known as Tokyo International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in Ōta, Tokyo, it is the primary domestic base for Japan's two largest airlines: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. The airport covers 1,522 hectares of land and has three terminals.
Haneda Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s. Initially, Tokyo's primary airport was the Tachikawa Airfield, which served as the main operating base for Japan Air Transport. However, due to its distance from central Tokyo, aviators began using beaches along Tokyo Bay as airstrips, leading to the establishment of Haneda Airfield in 1931. During World War II, the airport shifted to military transport services and flight training for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service.
Over the years, Haneda Airport has undergone significant expansion to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. In 2010, the airport opened its international terminal, Terminal 3, enabling long-haul flights and providing connections between intercontinental flights. Haneda is now able to handle 90 million passengers per year and offers a range of modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, airport lounges, and diverse dining and shopping options.
The airport has received numerous accolades, including being named the World's Best Domestic Airport in 2020 and achieving first place in three categories in the 2025 International Airport Assessment conducted by SKYTRAX. Haneda Airport is easily accessible by train, monorail, bus, and taxi, providing convenient transportation options for travellers.
With its high passenger throughput, modern facilities, and convenient location, Haneda Airport, Tokyo, is undoubtedly one of the world's best airports, offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its customers.
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Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris
Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport, is the primary international airport serving Paris, France. Located in Roissy-en-France, 23 kilometres northeast of Paris, the airport is named after World War II leader and former French President Charles de Gaulle. It opened in 1974 and serves as the principal hub for Air France, accommodating other legacy carriers, as well as functioning as an operating base for easyJet and Norse Atlantic Airways.
In 2024, Charles de Gaulle Airport was ranked sixth in the world and the highest in Europe, handling over 70 million passengers and 460,916 aircraft movements. It is also the busiest airport within the European Union and the eleventh busiest in the world in terms of cargo traffic, handling 2,102,268 tonnes of cargo in 2019. The airport is served by the greatest number of airlines, with more than 105 airlines operating at the airport. It has three terminals, with Terminal 3 (formerly known as Terminal 9) hosting charter and low-cost airlines. Terminal 3 was named the best low-cost terminal in Europe.
The airport covers 32.38 square kilometres of land. Terminal 1, built in an avant-garde design, is a ten-storey circular building surrounded by seven satellite buildings, each with six gates allowing sunlight to enter through apertures. Terminal 2, which originally served Air France exclusively, has since expanded to accommodate other airlines. Terminals 2A to 2F are interconnected by elevated walkways, while Terminal 2G is a satellite building accessible by shuttle bus.
The CDGVAL light-rail shuttle connects Terminal 2 to Terminals 1 and 3 and their parking lots. Passengers can access free wireless internet in all terminals and find dedicated smoking booths airside. The airport provides a comprehensive guide for transferring between flights, information on prohibited items and security procedures, and assistance with recovering missing belongings.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar was named the best airport in the world in 2024 by Skytrax.
Hamad International Airport is known for its ultra-modern design, easy-to-navigate terminals, and high-end shopping. The airport has added a new airport hotel, indoor gardens, airport lounges, and a variety of dining options. It also offers free city tours for passengers with long layovers.
Singapore Changi Airport has won the Skytrax award multiple times, including in 2025. Other airports that have been ranked highly include Hong Kong International Airport, Zurich Airport, and Incheon International Airport.
The rankings are typically based on customer satisfaction surveys that evaluate factors such as cleanliness, friendliness of staff, ease of accessibility, terminal design, dining and shopping options, and overall passenger experience.
