Top 10 Best Airports in the World
- Zohreh Khosravi
- 14 hours ago
The survey of international travelers for selecting the Top Best Airports in the World is considered the most reliable benchmark for assessing the quality of airport services.
For many travelers, the airport isn’t just a gateway—it’s the beginning of the journey. From the moment we head to the airport until our flight lands at the destination, airports serve as transitional spaces. Sometimes brief, focused on check-in and transfers, and other times extended, requiring hours of waiting for connecting flights.
With the rise in international travels, airports have become some of the world’s most important crossroads. Every day, millions of passengers from diverse nationalities and cultures pass through these gateways. What makes certain airports stand out are the unique details: exceptional facilities, professional staff, spotless terminals, or even a distinctive scent that lingers in the air. These seemingly small elements elevate the experience, turning a routine stop into a lasting travel memory.
Today, the competition among major airports to deliver an unforgettable experience is intense. Tourism authorities invest heavily in planning and innovation. Everything from shopping and dining options to entertainment, digital services, and architectural design is considered a competitive edge. Some airports have earned prestigious international accolades for their exceptional service quality, artistic design, and high passenger satisfaction—awards based not on marketing slogans, but real passenger experience feedback. Among these accolades, the Skytrax World Airport Awards stand out. Based on millions of independent passenger surveys, they are among the most credible honors in the aviation industry. Here in Sepehran Blog, we explore airports that go beyond facilitating travel—they help define it.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest air travel hubs and is renowned worldwide for the exceptional experience it offers. What makes Changi exceptional is not just being a place to catch a flight—it’s a destination in its own right. With 13 wins as “Best Airport in the World,” Changi continues to redefine what passengers can expect from an airport. From nature-inspired architecture to world-class dining and shopping facilities, the “Changi Experience” is carefully curated to make every visit memorable.
In 2025, Changi Airport was awarded the title of “Best Airport Dining Experience in the World”. This prestigious honor recognizes the variety, quality, and value of food available across its restaurants, cafés, and fast-food outlets, based on real feedback from passengers. Changi also received the award for “World’s Best Airport Hygiene Services”, introduced by the Skytrax Institute this year out of 235 airports, for the highest standards in hygiene and cleanliness.
Connecting to 160 international destinations, Changi serves as a global gateway for millions of travelers. With its lush green spaces, the world’s first airport butterfly garden, the tallest indoor waterfall, and the signature scent of “orchid tea,” Changi is more than an airport. From diverse entertainment and world-class cuisine to premium lounges and smart services, every detail is designed with passengers in mind. Multilingual staff, extensive shopping options, interactive play areas, free Wi-Fi, dedicated pathways, and easy access to the city center ensure a memorable journey. At Changi, your travel experience doesn’t start at the gate—it begins the moment you arrive.
Located in Doha, the capital of Qatar, Hamad International Airport (DOH) is widely regarded as the “most luxurious airport in the world</strong>”. As the main hub of Qatar Airways, its stunning architecture, world-class services, and unique amenities have earned it prestigious accolades such as “Best Airport in the Middle East” and “Best Airport Shopping Experience”, and one of the best airports in the World.
Whether you’re arriving, departing, or simply in transit, Hamad Airport offers an all-encompassing experience of shopping, dining, relaxation, and comfort. From global brands in fashion, perfume, jewelry, and technology to souvenir shops, toy stores, bookstores, and gourmet snacks, it feels more like a high-end shopping mall than an airport. Just be careful—you might find the shopping so enjoyable, you forget to check your gate!
Catering to every taste, the airport features a wide array of dining options, from classic international cuisine to quick and budget-friendly meals. When it comes to relaxation, few places compare: a luxurious spa, swimming pool, squash courts, gym, golf simulator, and tranquil lounges are all at your disposal. You’ll even find massage services, quiet rooms, and dedicated play areas for children. Efficiency is another hallmark of Hamad.
The check-in, baggage drop, document checks, and security procedures are all streamlined to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. The airport also offers thoughtful services like unaccompanied minor care, accessibility support, and pet-friendly facilities, ensuring that every traveler is cared for. For travelers who value comfort, elegance, and exceptional service, Hamad transforms the journey into something truly special.
Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2025, Haneda earned the title of “World’s Cleanest Airport” and served over 70 million passengers, securing its spot among the world’s busiest airports by passenger volume. Haneda has also received repeated recognition for offering the “Best Airport Facilities for Disabled Passengers.” Its comprehensive services for people with disabilities include wheelchairs, priority boarding gates, specialized seating, changing rooms, and the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for passengers with hidden disabilities. This lanyard signals to staff that the wearer may require extra support, faster services, or added care, while preserving their dignity and privacy. With seamless connections to Tokyo’s city center via monorail, train, and limousine buses, getting to and from Haneda is fast and convenient. For those arriving on overnight flights, hotels connected to the terminals or located nearby offer a restful stay.
The airport provides an impressive range of services, including currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, car rentals, mailing services, and travel insurance, greatly enhancing the overall travel experience. Pharmacies, clinics, ATMs, and information desks are also available in every terminal.
More than just a transportation hub, Haneda is a destination in itself, with excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the flight observation decks or a visit to Japan Airlines (JAL) facilities. For passengers with longer layovers, a peaceful walk along the nearby beach park by Tokyo Bay offers a refreshing break. With its beautiful design, exceptional service, and signature Japanese efficiency, Haneda remains a favorite among global travelers as one of the best airports in the world.
Located in Seoul, South Korea, Incheon International Airport (ICN) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. In 2025, it was honored with two prestigious Skytrax awards: “Best Airport Staff in the World” and “Best Airport Staff for the Asia-Pacific region.” These accolades highlight the staff’s exceptional service, professionalism, efficiency, and genuine warmth in their interactions with passengers. Incheon is also recognized as the world’s first Five-Star Airport in customer experience assessments and has received numerous awards for its passenger-based innovations. Passengers enjoy seamless terminal transfers via an automated train, and reaching the airport from downtown Seoul is convenient thanks to express train services and limousine buses. Travelers can even check in and drop off luggage at designated urban terminals in Seoul before heading to the airport.
Amenities also include banking and currency exchange services, medical centers, pharmacies, VIP lounges, and capsule hotels. Specialized services—such as Easy Pickup—cater to families, the elderly, and passengers with additional needs. With more than 40 duty-free shops featuring international brands, and a wide array of restaurants and cafés offering Korean and global cuisines, Incheon is a delightful destination for shopping and dining. Entertainment zones further enhance the experience. One of the airport’s most distinctive features is the Korean Culture Museum, where travelers can enjoy a meaningful cultural experience during their layover. Blending modern architecture, exceptional service, efficient access, and diverse amenities, Incheon International Airport consistently ranks among the finest airports in the world.
Located on Chek Lap Kok Island, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is renowned for being one of the most advanced and heavily trafficked airports in the world. In 2025, it earned the Skytrax award for “Best Passport Control Services in the World.” This recognition reflects outstanding performance in areas such as border control procedures, waiting times, queue management, availability of priority lanes, electronic gates, and staff professionalism. Handling millions of passengers and several million tons of cargo annually, the airport also holds the title of “the World’s Largest Cargo Hub.”
Over 120 airlines operate flights from here to more than 220 global destinations. Terminal 1 spans approximately 570,000 square meters, making it one of the world’s largest passenger terminals. An Automated People Mover connects the terminals, allowing passengers to conveniently transfer to mainland China or Macau via the Skypier ferry service—no passport control is required. Access to the airport is fast and easy through high-speed trains, shuttle buses, intercity transport, and modern taxi services. Passengers can explore over 200 duty-free stores offering a range of luxury and local products and dine in more than 60 restaurants and cafés serving a diverse selection of Asian, European, and international cuisine. VIP lounges, complimentary showers, and in-transit massage services enhance the comfort of every journey.
The innovative Airport City concept, commitment to environmental sustainability, and efforts in urban agriculture have further enhanced the global reputation of Hong Kong International Airport.
In 2025, Istanbul Airport (IST) was named the “Most Family-Friendly Airport in the World” for the fifth consecutive year by the prestigious Skytrax Institute. This recognition comes as a result of global passenger surveys and a comprehensive evaluation of family-oriented services. It reflects the airport’s unwavering commitment to offering a calm, safe, and enjoyable travel experience for parents and children alike.
Family-focused amenities include dedicated security checkpoints, expedited passport control, diaper changing stations, lactation rooms, and creatively designed play areas. Services such as child reception and farewell assistance further enhance the quality of the family travel experience.
The airport’s themed play areas provide engaging entertainment for children of all ages. Families traveling with children under five enjoy priority passage, and complimentary strollers are available for those with children under two. In private lounges, dedicated play zones for kids and quiet, well-equipped spaces for parents exemplify Istanbul Airport’s thoughtful, family-centric design. In addition to its family-friendly approach, Istanbul Airport is regarded as one of the most advanced and well-equipped airports in the world. Amenities include 24-hour medical services, pharmacies, banks, currency exchange, ATMs, and post offices in both departure and transit zones. Special facilities for travelers with disabilities and numerous relaxation areas ensure that the airport is more than just a transit hub—it is the starting point of a memorable family journey.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), having handled over 108 million passengers in 2024, was once again named the “World’s Busiest Airport”—for the 26th time in the past 27 years. This figure marks the airport’s second-highest traffic record in history, following its 2019 peak, and represents a 3.3% increase compared to the previous year. Several factors have contributed to this achievement, including Atlanta’s strategic location in the southeastern United States, high operational efficiency, and close collaboration with Delta Air Lines, which operates its largest hub at this airport.
With advanced infrastructure, diverse services, and convenient access, Atlanta Airport offers a smooth and efficient experience for millions of travelers, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading air transport hubs. The airport provides flights to more than 220 domestic and international destinations, reflecting both the sustainable growth of the aviation industry and the airport’s key role in facilitating air travel.
To ensure passenger comfort, the airport offers a wide range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, banking and currency exchange services, medical centers, nursing rooms, prayer spaces, electric vehicle charging stations, numerous lounges, and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Access to the airport is easy via the city’s metro network, and an internal automated train system ensures quick and seamless transfers between terminals. With its cutting-edge facilities, comprehensive services, and easy accessibility, Atlanta Airport continues to provide a comfortable travel experience and stands as one of the most important aviation hubs in the world.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has been awarded the title of “Most Improved Airport in the World” for 2025 by the Skytrax Institute. This recognition highlights the airport’s remarkable progress in service quality, passenger satisfaction, and operational efficiency compared to the previous year.
Through the implementation of innovative projects and substantial investment in advanced technologies, BER has risen to become one of the top-rated airports globally. Key advancements include the installation of state-of-the-art scanners at security checkpoints, allowing passengers to pass through without removing liquids or electronic devices from their bags, significantly reducing waiting times. The introduction of facial recognition technology (BER Biometrics) streamlines entry, baggage claim, and lounge access, eliminating the need to present a boarding pass. Moreover, the expansion of passport control gates and the integration of the EasyPass system have eased border crossings, particularly for Non-Schengen travelers.
These improvements have not only enhanced passenger experience but have also boosted BER’s ranking in international airport evaluations. The airport’s central marketplace in Terminal 1 offers a diverse and unique shopping experience, featuring a wide range of restaurants to suit every palate. Other amenities include pharmacies, tourist information centers, car rental services, beauty salons, currency exchange, and tranquil Rooms of Silence for meditation, prayer, and relaxation. BER is easily accessible via airport trains (Flughafen BER), express and regional trains, urban rail services, express buses, private vehicles, and dedicated cycling paths.
King Fahd International Airport (DMM), located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, covers an expansive 776 square kilometers, making it the largest airport in the world by area, larger than several countries, including Bahrain.
This vast space allows for continuous development in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The airport features two parallel runways, each 4,000 meters long, capable of accommodating large wide-body aircraft. The main terminal spans approximately 327,000 square meters and includes 66 dedicated counters for domestic flights and 44 for international carriers.
Passengers can enjoy a variety of services, including duty-free shops, numerous restaurants and cafés, premium lounges, nursing rooms, 24-hour medical centers, fully equipped prayer rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A notable feature is the airport’s mosque, with a capacity for 2,000 worshipers, located above the multi-story parking garage and connected to the terminal via moving walkways.
King Fahd International Airport is easily accessible by major highways and offers multiple transport options, including public buses, official taxis with fixed rates, and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem. Parking facilities include a multi-story garage with space for around 5,000 vehicles and open-air lots for long-term stays. With its modern infrastructure, comprehensive services, and excellent connectivity, King Fahd Airport serves as a vital air travel hub in the Persian Gulf region. Beyond passengers travel, it also plays a major role in cargo transport, particularly in oil and petrochemical logistics, reflecting the industrial significance of the surrounding region.
Kish International Airport (KIH) is widely regarded as the most beautiful airport in Iran. With its minimalist architecture and modern design inspired by the island’s contemporary aesthetic, the airport unveiled a new terminal in 2023. Spanning 49,000 square meters, this terminal has increased the airport’s annual capacity to 6 million passengers. The four-story terminal features clean geometric lines and expansive glass facades that flood the interior with natural light, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for travelers. Sleek linear lighting further enhances the terminal’s visual appeal, offering a pleasant and modern travel environment.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including telescopic passenger boarding bridges, an intelligent baggage handling system, and multiple elevators and escalators, the new terminal significantly enhances operational efficiency. It can accommodate up to 15 aircraft on the tarmac simultaneously. Passengers benefit from spacious lounges with free high-speed Wi-Fi, a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, 24-hour medical and emergency services, and dedicated facilities for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.
Kish Airport serves over 20 domestic destinations and offers direct flights to Dubai, Muscat, and Doha. It plays a vital role in connecting the island with major cities in Iran and the wider region. Convenient ground transportation options including official taxis, car rental services, and hotel shuttles, ensure easy access to and from the airport. With its modern infrastructure, efficient services, and scenic location, Kish Airport serves as the gateway to one of Iran’s most captivating tourist destinations—Kish Island, the Pearl of the Persian Gulf—offering passengers a comfortable travel experience.
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