World’s Best Airports to Experience While Traveling

Long-haul flights to international destinations can be taxing on travelers, both on departure and arrival. However, the best airports in the world make the travel experience as carefree as possible, often with unusual amenities, such as showers in the bathrooms, entertainment and wellness facilities, and plenty of healthy eating options. Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Airports are rated on access, check-in and security, restaurants and bars, shopping, and design. This year’s list of winners is largely dominated by airports located in Asia and the Middle East, with only two European airports—Amsterdam’s Schiphol and Zurich—appearing in the top 10. Although some fliers mentioned the “long walk between terminals” at Schiphol as an annoyance, the excellent signage, designer duty-free shops, and helpful staff outweighed the negatives. Moreover, parents flying with little ones have an extra reason to be happy: “There are lots of places for families to relax without worrying that the kids are bothering other people,” wrote one reader. Given all the amenities airports offer these days, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were cities unto themselves.

Top 10 Airports in the World

10. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Score: 78.98

9. Abu Dhabi International (AUH)

Score: 79.12

8. Ben Gurion International, Tel Aviv (TLV)

Score: 79.40

7. Haneda (Tokyo International) (HND)

Score: 80.33

6. Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH)

Score: 80.85

5. Hong Kong International (HKG)

Score: 83.81

4. Incheon International, South Korea (ICN)

Score: 84.46

3. Dubai International (DXB)

Score: 85.30

2. Hamad International, Doha, Qatar (DOH)

Score: 86.05

1. Singapore Changi (SIN)

Score: 90.64

With a free movie theater, napping lounges, a sunflower garden, spa, and a rooftop pool, Singapore Changi Airport continues to thrill our readers and takes the No. 1 spot for the fifth year in a row. One particular benefit is the airport’s pre-customs, in-terminal hotels, which rent rooms in six-hour blocks. This timetable allows travelers to have a place to rest during long layovers or before early morning flights. Furthermore, “there are loads of eating and entertainment establishments,” stated a satisfied reader. “One could live for days within the airport without being bored.”