Top Airports of 2024: Skytrax Rankings Revealed
Discover the leading airport of 2024 as Qatar's Doha Hamad International (DOH) secures the top spot in this year's Skytrax rankings.
In the last ten years, Singapore’s Changi International Airport and Doha’s Hamad International Airport have been competing for the title of ‘world’s best’. Just like Ali versus Frazier and the Red Sox versus the Yankees, these two airports have been going back and forth in this battle.
Every year, Skytrax, a UK-based airline and airport review and ranking site, conducts surveys with travelers worldwide to determine the best airports globally. For 2024, Qatar's airport has been recognized for its cutting-edge design, user-friendly terminals, and upscale shopping options.
Singapore's airport (SIN) held the top spot in 2023 and 2020, with Doha's airport (DOH) winning the accolade in 2022 and 2021.
Qatar Airways Group’s CEO, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, expressed his gratitude for being voted Best Airport in the World for the third time as Hamad International Airport celebrates its tenth year of operations. He looks forward to continuing to provide exceptional passenger experiences in the future.
Another reason for the high marks earned by DOH is its offering of free city tours for passengers with long layovers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy amenities such as spa treatments, a squash court, and an 82-foot swimming pool at the Oryx Airport Hotel located at the airport.
The Skytrax rankings were revealed at the World Airport Awards in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 17. The data for the list was gathered from people of over 100 nationalities between August 2023 and March 2024. These individuals were asked about various aspects such as the ease of passing through security checkpoints and the quality and variety of food and drinks available.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES- MARCH 06: Travelers crowd a departure area in Dubai International Airport on March 06, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai International Airport is the primary and major international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is considered the worldâÃôs busiest and best international airport, having received 87 million travelers in 2023, 77.5 million bags delivered with 99.8% accuracy, 416,405 flights to and from 262 destinations and a 4.5 guest satisfaction rating. Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the country's seven emirates. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Travelers are seen crowding a departure area at Dubai International Airport on March 06, 2024. This airport is the main international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known as the busiest and top international airport globally, with impressive statistics such as 87 million travelers in 2023, 77.5 million bags delivered accurately, 416,405 flights to and from 262 destinations, and a high guest satisfaction rating of 4.5. Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and serves as the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated emirate in the country.
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European airports are leading the way, with nine out of the top 20 best airports located in Europe. Among them are Vienna, Madrid, and Istanbul. The highest-ranking European airport is Paris' Charles de Gaulle (CDG), coming in at sixth place. Paris has made significant investments in modernizing its infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming Paris Olympics, and it seems that these efforts have been successful.
CDG’s terminal 3 was recognized as the top low-cost terminal globally, while Paris’ Orly (ORY) was honored as the best regional airport in Europe.
Other European airports also received prestigious awards from Skytrax. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) was awarded for having the best airport security processing in the world, Zurich Airport (ZRH) was acknowledged as the best airport in the 20-30 million passengers per year category, and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) was ranked highest in the 10-20 million annual passengers division.
1. Changi Airport: Singapore's much-admired megahub was named the best airport in the world for food and drink by Food & Wine in their 2024 Global Tastemakers roundup of culinary experiences.
Changi Airport in Singapore has been recognized as the top airport in the world for food and drink according to Food & Wine's 2024 Global Tastemakers list.
P. Kijsanayothin/iStock Unreleased/Getty Images
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Japan shines
Seven out of the top 20 airports ranked by Skytrax are located in Asia. Tokyo's two main airports, Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), both made it into the top 10, with Haneda securing the fourth spot ahead of Narita.
New Chitose Airport in Sapporo (CTS) was recognized as the most improved airport globally, while Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya (NGO) was awarded as the best airport in the 5-10 million passengers per year category.
Kansai International Airport (KIX), which serves the Osaka area, scored the award for the world’s best airport baggage delivery.
The swimming pool at the Oryx Hotel in Doha's airport.
The swimming pool at the Oryx Hotel in Doha's airport.
Amer Sweidan
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Regional highlights
In all, 570 airports were evaluated around the world.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) was crowned the best airport in North America.
Down under, Melbourne Airport (MEL) took the highest honor for the Australia-Pacific region.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) was awarded the title of the best airport in India.
Cape Town Airport (CPT) was recognized as the best airport in Africa and also received an award for having the best staff service among African airports. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban was the winner in the category for airports with under five million annual passengers.
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, was voted as the best airport in South America. On the other hand, Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY) was recognized as the best airport for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Channon Hodge / CNN
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Not just airports
In addition to ranking airports, Skytrax also gives out honors for exceptional airport hotels.
The TWA Hotel at New York JFK has been awarded as the top airport hotel in North America. Other notable winners include the Hyatt Regency Shenzhen (best in China), Hilton Munich Airport (best in Europe), and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (best in the world, holding the title for the ninth consecutive year).
In 2024, the best airports in the world were recognized for their exceptional services and facilities.
- Doha Hamad Airport is known for its modern facilities and efficient services.
- Singapore Changi Airport is famous for its shopping and dining options.
- Seoul Incheon Airport is praised for its cleanliness and organization.
- Tokyo Haneda Airport is a popular choice for domestic flights in Japan.
- Tokyo Narita Airport is a major international gateway to Japan.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
- Dubai Airport is known for its luxurious amenities and duty-free shopping.
- Munich Airport is well-regarded for its efficiency and cleanliness.
- Zurich Airport is a hub for Swiss airlines and offers stunning views of the Alps.
- Istanbul Airport is a modern facility that connects Europe and Asia.
- Hong Kong Airport is a key transportation hub in Asia.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport is the main airport serving Rome, Italy.
- Vienna Airport is praised for its architecture and design.
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is known for its efficiency and Scandinavian design.
- Madrid-Barajas Airport is the largest airport in Spain.
- Centrair Nagoya Airport is a hub for domestic and international flights in Japan.
- Vancouver Airport offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains.
- Kansai Airport is a major airport serving Osaka, Japan.
- Melbourne Airport is the primary airport serving Melbourne, Australia.
- Copenhagen Airport is a key airport in Scandinavia and known for its sustainability efforts.
Editor's P/S:
The competition between Changi International Airport and Hamad International Airport for the title of "world's best" has been intense, with both airports showcasing exceptional facilities and services. The 2024 Skytrax rankings recognize Doha's airport for its cutting-edge design, user-friendly terminals, and upscale amenities, while Singapore's airport remains renowned for its dining and shopping options.
The Skytrax rankings highlight the importance of passenger experience in airport design and operations. Airports that prioritize efficiency, cleanliness, and a wide range of amenities are consistently ranked among the best. The recognition of European airports, such as Paris Charles de Gaulle and Rome Fiumicino, underscores the significant investments being made in airport infrastructure and modernization worldwide.
