Sachin Walls
With air travel being a common mode of transportation for many, airports play a crucial role in shaping the overall travel experience. While some airports are basic and functional, others go above and beyond, offering luxurious amenities, efficient services, and unique experiences. The best airport is subjective and depends on what travellers value the most. This paragraph will explore some of the top airports in the world and the features that make them stand out.
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What You'll Learn
Best airport hotels
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World's Best Airport for 2025 by Skytrax, with Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, in second place and Tokyo Haneda Airport in third.
If you're looking for the best airport hotels, here are some options that offer convenience and luxury:
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is located within Singapore's Changi Airport, which has been named the World's Best Airport for the 13th time. The hotel offers rooms with runway views and a beautifully landscaped outdoor pool. There is also an onsite spa with a sauna and steam room, open until 11 pm.
TWA Hotel, New York
The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York is a stylish property designed by the legendary Finnish architect Eero Saarinen in the early 1960s. It features several restaurants, an aviation museum, and a rooftop pool, making it a great spot for plane watchers.
Hotel Mercure, Paris
Hotel Mercure in Paris offers a stylish and swanky experience. The hotel is conveniently located, providing easy access to the airport and the city's attractions.
Hilton Munich Airport
The Hilton Munich Airport won the award for Best Airport Hotel in Europe. Located in Munich, the German hub that was named the Best Airport in Central Europe, the hotel offers easy access to the airport and the city's attractions.
Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel
Fairmont's luxury hotel at Vancouver Airport offers seamless access to the airport via a dedicated AirTrain stop. The hotel boasts 351 rooms with picturesque views of the mountains and planes taking off, as well as a nice collection of art and oversized bathtubs in the guest rooms.
These airport hotels offer a unique blend of convenience, luxury, and style, ensuring that travellers can rest comfortably and enjoy their journey.
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Best airport dining
When it comes to airport dining, travellers no longer have to settle for stale food courts filled with generic food options. Many airports now offer a diverse range of dining options that showcase local specialties and reflect the culture of their location.
Singapore's Changi Airport, named the World's Best Airport in 2025, is a prime example of this transformation. With over 245 dining options, passengers can enjoy classic Singaporean dishes from "Hawker"-style stalls or indulge in a sit-down experience at Violet Oon. Changi Airport also boasts a noodle bar, a Michelin-rated restaurant, and various eateries serving dishes from around the world, such as chicharron sandwiches, noodle buffets, and South Asian breakfasts.
Other airports that have been recognised for their dining options include Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, which offers deluxe dining experiences like Armani and Fendi coffee, tea time at Harrod's, and the Oreo Cafe. Istanbul International Airport, the world's largest airport, showcases Turkish cuisine with simit (sesame-seed studded pastries) and Turkish tea, as well as viral Turkish chef Saltbae's burger spot.
In the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport stands out for its Southern cuisine, including Shaun Doty’s southern diner Bantam & Biddy, Gerry Garvin’s Low Country Restaurants, and rapper Ludacris’ Chicken and Beer. LaGuardia Airport in New York City has also elevated airport dining with established eateries like Hunt & Fish Club, Brooklyn Diner, and Dale Talde’s Talde Noodle Bar.
These airports, among others, are redefining airport dining by offering a variety of culinary experiences that go beyond the typical expectations, ensuring that travellers can enjoy a taste of local flavours and cultures even during their layovers.
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Best airport for layovers
When it comes to layovers, some airports offer a better experience than others. According to Gilbert Ott, a flight expert who flies about 200,000 miles a year, the best airport for layovers has upscale lounges, is easy to navigate, and offers a wide variety of food and activities. Here are some of the best airports for layovers:
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World's Best Airport for 2025 by Skytrax. Changi is more than just an airport, it's a destination in itself. The airport features the world's tallest indoor waterfall, multiple indoor gardens, spas, hotels, art exhibitions, a cinema, and even a dinosaur theme park. The Jewel, a retail and entertainment complex, is a highlight with its hedge maze, topiary walk, and ropes course. Changi also offers early check-in, allowing passengers to drop off their bags up to 48 hours before their flight so they can enjoy the airport as part of their vacation.
Hamad International Airport, Doha
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is ranked as the second-best airport in the world by Skytrax. It is known for its luxury and was recognised by Skytrax as the airport with the Best Airport Shopping and the Best Airport in the Middle East. The airport served a record 52.7 million passengers in 2024.
Tokyo Haneda Airport
Ranked as the third-best airport in the world by Skytrax, Tokyo Haneda Airport is known for its efficiency and cleanliness. It was also named the World's Cleanest Airport. The airport is located in Tokyo, Japan, and offers a variety of dining options and efficient facilities, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Hong Kong International Airport is consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world. It is well-organised, with two main terminals offering a variety of food, culture, spa, and entertainment options. The airport features an IMAX cinema, outdoor golf, an aviation museum, duty-free shops, and fashion boutiques. Complimentary hot shower facilities are also available in Terminal 1. With excellent transport to Hong Kong city, travellers can easily explore beyond the airport during longer layovers.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport is known for its luxury and is a shopping destination in itself, featuring high-end boutiques and a range of unique offerings. The airport has a health club with a large pool, free shower facilities, a holistic health centre, a gaming lounge, and international cuisine. The Zen Garden, with over 6,000 plants and trees, is a peaceful escape during layovers. Dubai city can also be explored during longer layovers, although it's important to consider the time required for immigration and security procedures.
Munich Airport (MUC)
Munich Airport, located in Germany, offers a unique experience with an outdoor ice-skating rink and an in-house brewery. The airport has excellent transit options to the city, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes. During the Christmas season, travellers can enjoy the festive atmosphere and Bavarian charm that Munich is known for.
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Best airport for art and culture
While there is no consensus on which airport is the best in the world for art and culture, there are several airports that stand out in this category.
Singapore Changi Airport, which has been named the World's Best Airport by Skytrax multiple times, offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. In addition to its iconic Rain Vortex and lush indoor gardens, Changi features art exhibitions, a museum, and even a dinosaur theme park. The airport is known for providing a unique and memorable experience to its passengers.
Istanbul Airport, ranked 14th in the world and named the World's Most Family-Friendly Airport, impresses travellers with its grandeur and ease of navigation. It features a museum showcasing Turkish artefacts, offering a unique cultural experience. The airport also boasts luxurious lounges and a balance of functionality and opulence.
Doha's Hamad International Airport, ranked second in the world, is renowned for its artwork and architectural splendour. The airport features the famous "Lamp Bear" sculpture by Urs Fischer, as well as ten other giant statues and displays. It has also been recognised for its luxurious amenities and exceptional shopping experience.
Other airports that showcase impressive art collections include Sacramento International Airport, with its massive and jaw-dropping permanent installations, and Albany International Airport, which showcases local art exhibitions through its Art and Culture program. Denver International Airport, while not mentioned as extensively, is also known for its impressive art installations, such as the "Day Star Archway" by Bill Fitzgibbons.
These airports enhance the travel experience by providing cultural and artistic offerings that engage and entertain passengers, transforming layovers into enriching and memorable parts of the journey.
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Best airport for families
When it comes to travelling with children, airports with family-friendly amenities can make all the difference. While some airports are known for their efficiency or cultural offerings, others stand out for their dedication to serving families with young children. Here are some of the best airports for families around the world:
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World's Best Airport by Skytrax multiple times, and it's easy to see why. With over 50 baby-friendly restaurants, indoor gardens, a butterfly centre, a cinema, and even a dinosaur theme park, Changi offers plenty of entertainment for all ages. Changi also boasts the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, and has art installations and viewing galleries for plane enthusiasts. Priority Pass members can access a range of lounge and non-lounge experiences within the airport's four terminals.
Seoul Incheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, is renowned for its family-friendly facilities. It features 24-hour nursery rooms, toddler rest zones, and nursing rooms, making it a convenient option for parents travelling with infants or young children. Incheon also offers cultural dance performances and an ice-skating rink for those seeking a unique airport experience.
Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport strikes a balance between luxury and functionality. It boasts a museum featuring Turkish artefacts and luxurious lounges that rival high-end hotels. Istanbul Airport was named the World's Most Family-Friendly Airport and offers a mix of retail therapy and top-tier dining options.
Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport provides a range of amenities for families, including a kids' zone inspired by the Arabian desert, offering soft play areas and slides. The airport also has the first standalone Nutella café in an airport, along with ultra-fast Wi-Fi and a Hard Rock café that teens may enjoy. Families can relax in the zen gardens or by the swimming pool, and there is even an on-site hotel for longer layovers.
North American Airports
Several airports in North America offer exceptional family-friendly experiences. Chicago's main airport features a dedicated Family Lounge with live entertainment for children, while St. Louis Lambert International Airport boasts an awe-inspiring children's museum called The Magic House. Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland provides an Observation Gallery with great views of planes taking off and landing, along with a plane-themed playspace. Las Vegas Airport has an inclusive mini-airport play space, and Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage offers a nursery with a dedicated changing table and a 24-hour Military Lounge for active-duty members and their families.
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Frequently asked questions
Singapore Changi Airport has been named the 'World's Best Airport' in 2025 by Skytrax. It is renowned for its unparalleled passenger experience, indoor gardens, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, spas, museums, and cinemas.
Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar has been ranked as the second-best airport in the world by Skytrax. Other notable mentions include Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Incheon International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The "best" airport depends on what travellers value the most, such as comfort, culture, convenience, efficiency, dining options, shopping experiences, and family-friendly amenities.
Some airports are known for their unique features, such as the IMAX theatre and top-notch restaurants at Hong Kong International Airport, the ice-skating rink at Munich Airport, the museum at Istanbul Airport, and the spectacular views when approaching Heathrow Airport in London.
The best airports in the world are often determined through passenger surveys and awards, such as the Skytrax World Airport Awards, which ranks airports based on passenger experience, facilities, and traffic.
