In recent years, the competition for the title of “world’s best airport” has been a two-horse race, with Doha’s Hamad International and Singapore Changi leading the way. This year, Singapore, the 12-time winner, was knocked out of first place by its Middle Eastern opponent in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024.
In a strong showing for Asia, Seoul Incheon ranked third and was named 2024’s best family-friendly airport, while Tokyo’s twin airports of Haneda and Narita finished fourth and fifth.
Hong Kong International Airport jumped 22 ranks to 11th place as the city recovered from the COVID-19 hangover and passenger numbers increased.
Once again, US airports were nowhere near the top of the list, with the highest-ranked Seattle-Tacoma dropping six places to 24.
Europe continues to dominate, with Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Munich, Zurich, and Istanbul all staying in the top ten.
Status of some major airports
- New York’s JFK fell five places to 93rd; LaGuardia rose from 57 to 33
- Melbourne remained the top-ranked Australian airport, steady in 19th place
- London Heathrow jumped one spot to 21st, while Gatwick was up seven to 48
- Japan’s Okinawa was the biggest climber, from 199th to 91st position
“This year, HIA celebrates its 10th year of operations, and we are truly honored that passengers have voted us the Best Airport in the World for a third time,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Al Meer.
The Skytrax World Airport Awards are selected by a customer satisfaction survey.
List of world’s best airports (with last year’s ranking)
- Doha Hamad (2)
- Singapore Changi (1)
- Seoul Incheon (4)
- Tokyo Haneda (3)
- Tokyo Narita (9)
- Paris CDG (5)
- Dubai (17)
- Munich (7)
- Zurich (8)
- Istanbul (6)
- Hong Kong (33)
- Rome Fiumicino (13)
- Vienna (11)
- Helsinki-Vantaa (12)
- Madrid-Barajas (10)
- Centrair Nagoya (16)
- Vancouver (20)
- Kansai (15)
- Melbourne (19)
- Copenhagen (14)