Owais Crawford
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, is the world's busiest airport. It has held this title every year since 1998, except in 2020 when travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted passenger traffic. However, Atlanta quickly regained its top position in 2021. When it comes to the most famous airport, opinions vary. Some say LAX, due to its celebrity profile and frequent appearances in movies, while others argue for Heathrow (LHR) because of its size and association with London.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Singapore Changi Airport |
| Location | Singapore |
| Ranking | Ranked No. 1 in the World for 2025 by Skytrax |
| Previous Ranking | Ranked No. 1 for 13 years in a row |
| Other Airports in the Top 5 | 1. Istanbul Airport, Turkey 2. Hamad International Airport, Qatar 3. Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai, UAE 4. Incheon International Airport, South Korea |
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What You'll Learn
- Singapore Changi Airport is the world's most popular airport
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the most popular airport in the US
- San Francisco International Airport has a strict quiet policy
- Dubai International Airport is popular for duty-free shopping
- Southside Airport, Chicago is the most relaxing airport in the US
Singapore Changi Airport is the world's most popular airport
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the world's best airport for 2025, marking its thirteenth time winning the award. The airport has won over 680 awards since its opening, including 28 "Best Airport" awards in 2019 alone. Changi Airport is a favourite among travellers for its diverse and expansive dining options, its indoor gardens, rooftop terraces with runway views, playgrounds, and the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
Changi Airport is strategically located in Singapore, making it a favourable destination for high-demand layovers. The airport serves as a focus city for Qantas and is the flagship cargo hub for FedEx Express in Asia. In 2024, Changi Airport served 67.7 million passengers, a 14.8% increase from the 58.9 million passengers in 2023. The airport recorded about 366,000 aircraft movements in 2024, up from 328,000 in 2023. Changi Airport has four terminal buildings, with a fifth under construction, and it serves more than 100 airlines flying to 400 cities in over 100 countries and territories worldwide.
In addition to being a top choice for travellers, Changi Airport is also one of the busiest cargo airports in the world. It handled 2.01 million tonnes of cargo in 2019, with electrical components constituting a significant part of its total cargo traffic due to Singapore's large electronics sector. The airport has also been recognised for its cleanliness and highly-rated international transit services, as well as its commitment to exceptional service and innovative facilities.
Changi Airport's consistent excellence has been recognised by Skytrax, which has rated it as the "World's Best Airport" a dozen times. The airport's dedication to providing superior travel experiences, especially in the post-pandemic era, has solidified its status as a global aviation leader.
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Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the most popular airport in the US
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the most popular airports in the United States. In 2023, it was voted the Best Airport in North America for the 20th year in a row by readers of Global Traveler magazine. O'Hare's recognition as a top airport coincides with the 20th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which recognise excellence in travel-related categories such as airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel products. With 35.8 million passengers in 2023, it was the fifth-busiest airport in the US that year. However, in 2019, it had the most aircraft movements in the world, with 919,704, averaging 2,520 per day.
O'Hare International Airport was designed to be the successor to Chicago's Midway International Airport, which was once nicknamed the "busiest square mile in the world". O'Hare began as an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant for C-54 military transports during World War II. Within two years, the number of people passing through O'Hare in 12 months doubled, with Chicagoans boasting that more people passed through O'Hare than had been processed at Ellis Island. O'Hare remained the world's busiest airport until 1998 when it was surpassed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
As of 2024, O'Hare is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world. It is also the world's fourth busiest airport and sixteenth largest airport. O'Hare's popularity is due in part to its large number of regional flights and easy road access, with travellers able to get to the airport by shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxi.
While O'Hare is one of the most popular airports in the US, it faces competition from other airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the US and one of the busiest in the world, handling 50.9 million passengers on 341,835 flights per year. Other busy airports in the US include Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and Denver International Airport. These airports are busy due to their high volume of passenger traffic and are considered "large hubs" by the FAA, each accounting for at least one percent of total US passenger enplanements.
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San Francisco International Airport has a strict quiet policy
While Singapore Changi Airport has been ranked as the best airport in the world, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has garnered attention for its strict quiet policy. The airport's "Quiet Airport Policy" was launched in 2018 to reduce noise in its terminals and enhance comfort for travellers. While it has sparked some debate on social media, with travellers divided on the idea, the policy has been praised for reducing stress and creating a more peaceful travel experience.
The quiet policy at SFO aims to limit the sound footprint and establish guidelines for music usage in tenant spaces. It involves realigning public address announcements to only necessary and relevant areas, such as making flight announcements only at the boarding gates. This change eliminates the need for travellers to pay attention to every announcement, allowing them to focus on relaxing before their flight. Additionally, the policy has discontinued "final call" announcements throughout the entire terminal, with airlines now making these announcements in the immediate boarding area.
The airport management team estimates that these changes have resulted in a 40% decrease in unnecessary noise and eliminated up to 90 minutes of announcements each day. This reduction in background noise contributes to a calmer atmosphere and improves the overall travel experience for passengers. SFO's quiet policy recognises that constant announcements can be irksome and redundant, especially with the availability of mobile apps and alerts that provide real-time flight information.
While some travellers appreciate the quieter environment, others have expressed concerns about the execution of the policy. Some worry that gate agents may need to contact airport staff, leading to a more complicated process for certain situations. Nevertheless, the SFO quiet policy has sparked conversations about the role of announcements in airports and how they can be optimised for a better travel experience.
Overall, the San Francisco International Airport's strict quiet policy has received a mixed response, with some travellers embracing the calmer atmosphere and others questioning the practicality of its implementation. However, it has undoubtedly brought attention to the importance of a peaceful travel environment and sparked discussions about innovative ways to enhance the airport experience.
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Dubai International Airport is popular for duty-free shopping
While Singapore Changi Airport has consistently been ranked as the best airport in the world for 13 years, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is also a popular airport, ranking fourth in the 2024 World's Best Awards. Dubai International Airport is well-known for its duty-free shopping, offering a wide range of products and a unique shopping experience to travellers from all over the world.
Dubai Duty-Free, located at Dubai International Airport, has become a shopping destination in itself, attracting travellers with its wide variety of duty-free products. From luxury fashion brands to electronics and cosmetics, Dubai Duty-Free offers a vast selection of items at tax-free prices, making it a haven for shoppers looking for great deals. The airport's duty-free concessions have become a significant source of revenue and a key contributor to the airport's overall success.
The duty-free shopping experience at Dubai International Airport is enhanced by its modern and spacious terminals, which provide a comfortable and convenient environment for travellers to explore the wide range of shops available. The airport's design allows for easy navigation, with well-organised concourses and convenient layouts that make finding specific shops and products a breeze. The airport also boasts a variety of dining options and entertainment offerings, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for travellers waiting for their flights or during long layovers.
Dubai Duty-Free is known for its extensive selection of luxury goods, including high-end fashion, accessories, and cosmetics from renowned designers and brands. Travellers can take advantage of the opportunity to purchase exclusive items that may not be easily accessible in their home countries or at more competitive prices due to the duty-free nature of the concessions. The airport also offers a range of special promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals, further enhancing the value and appeal of shopping at Dubai International Airport.
In addition to the duty-free shopping experience, Dubai International Airport also offers a range of other amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers. These include comfortable lounges, convenient transit hotels, and a variety of dining options, ensuring that travellers have a pleasant and memorable experience during their time at the airport. The combination of a world-class duty-free shopping experience and a range of traveller-friendly amenities has contributed to the popularity and success of Dubai International Airport as a leading global aviation hub.
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Southside Airport, Chicago is the most relaxing airport in the US
While airports are often considered stressful places, some are better than others at providing a relaxing experience for passengers. In Chicago, Southside Airport, also known as Midway Airport, has been ranked as one of the most relaxing airports in the US.
Solitaired, an online gaming website, placed Southside Airport as the 15th most relaxing airport in the US, outranking its counterpart, O'Hare International Airport, which was ranked as the 8th most stressful airport in the country. The stress-free environment of Southside Airport can be attributed to several factors, including shorter wait times for security screening compared to O'Hare, which has an average wait time of 27 minutes and a maximum wait time of 61 minutes.
The size of an airport can also impact the level of stress experienced by passengers. O'Hare International Airport, with its eight active runways and over 200 boarding gates, handles a high volume of passenger traffic, contributing to longer wait times and a more hectic atmosphere. In contrast, Southside Airport, with its more compact size, likely facilitates faster processing times and a less crowded environment, enhancing the overall relaxation of its passengers.
Additionally, the design and amenities of an airport play a crucial role in reducing passenger stress. While it is unknown if Southside Airport has specific features like yoga bars or meditation centres, as found in some airports, it may still offer comfortable seating, calm waiting areas, and convenient services that contribute to a relaxing experience.
Moreover, the efficiency of flight operations is essential for a relaxing airport experience. Southside Airport's on-time performance and low flight disruption rates are unknown, but a well-organised airport with minimal delays can significantly reduce passenger stress. Efficient baggage handling, clear signage, and smooth boarding processes are all factors that can contribute to a more relaxed journey.
In conclusion, Southside Airport, Chicago, stands out as one of the most relaxing airports in the US due to its shorter wait times, manageable size, efficient operations, and overall attention to passenger comfort and convenience. While O'Hare International may offer more destinations and facilities, Southside Airport excels in providing a tranquil environment that makes travelling a more enjoyable experience for its customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore Changi Airport has been ranked as the best airport in the world by Skytrax, an airport survey firm. This airport has won the top spot 13 years in a row.
Istanbul Airport, Hamad International Airport in Qatar, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai, UAE are some of the other popular airports in the world.
Factors such as connectivity, relaxation rating, wait times, and passenger experience are considered when ranking airports.
