The Best Airports in the World: Enhancing the Travel Experience

Unlike the dreary, functional (and all too often unfunctional) depots many travelers dread passing through, the best airports in the world are both efficient and engaging. In numerous instances, they evoke the broader culture of their locations, allowing arriving passengers to sense the destination before even exiting customs. Moreover, for those with layovers, these airports offer a glimpse of the landscapes beyond the terminal gates.

Annual Awards for Best Airports

Each year, for their World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their insights on travel experiences across the globe, encompassing top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, and airlines. Readers evaluate international airports (those outside the U.S.) based on access, check-in/security processes, restaurant/bar offerings, shopping, and design.

Notable Trends

The airports category is relatively new, just three years old, and Singapore Changi Airport has consistently secured the No. 1 spot, demonstrating the dominance of Asian hubs in this ranking. These airports are renowned for integrating intelligent technology designed to simplify traveler’s experiences, alongside staggering architectural feats that transform them into destinations in their own right.

Top Airports Worth Mentioning

• Dubai International Airport: Renowned for its luxurious amenities, including showers in the bathrooms, Dubai International Airport is a beacon of spacious design. One enthusiastic traveler suggested, “Plan extra stopover time, if possible, to explore this incredible airport.”
• Incheon International Airport, Seoul: Recently celebrating its 15th anniversary, Incheon is praised for its modern architecture and expansive layout. One voter remarked, “Fly here just for the airport. It’s so modern and huge, you could get lost— and honestly, you wouldn’t mind.”
• Hong Kong International Airport: This airport, which consistently ranks either No. 2 or No. 3, delights hungry travelers with Chinese specialties, including marinated goose and duck tongues from the Michelin-starred Hung’s Delicacies. Moreover, frantic fliers can bond over shared experiences while enjoying amusements such as an IMAX theater and a golf course. It’s enough to make you welcome a flight delay.

International Experiences Await

As travel continues to evolve, the significance of these remarkable airports remains evident. They serve as gateways to new adventures, seamlessly blending comfort with functionality. Consequently, these hubs not only enhance the experience of travelers but also paint a vibrant picture of the culture awaiting them upon arrival.