Travel + Leisure has just released its 2025 World’s Best Airports list, and Istanbul Airport has claimed the top spot for the second year in a row. Singapore’s iconic Changi Airport, often considered unbeatable, came in at No. 2 this time.
The rankings are based on votes from frequent flyers, who rated their favourite airports on everything from comfort and design to food, ease of navigation, and overall travel experience.
What this really means is that airports today are more than just places to catch flights. The best ones are destinations in themselves.
🏆 Top 10 Airports in the World – 2025 Rankings
Here’s a snapshot of the world’s top airports this year, with quick insights on what makes each of them special.
1. Istanbul Airport, Turkey
Score: 98.57
Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport has quickly earned global recognition for its spacious terminals, efficient layout, and sky-high connectivity.
- Voted No. 1 two years in a row
- Bright, minimalist design praised by travellers
- Rapidly expanding routes across Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Excellent shopping and dining zones
2. Singapore Changi Airport
Score: 95.20
Known for its lush greenery, futuristic design, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, Changi Airport is a masterpiece in airport architecture.
- Around 600,000 live plants inside
- Jewel Changi’s Rain Vortex is a must-see
- Free movie theatres, rooftop pool, butterfly garden
- Consistently ranked among the world’s top airports
3. Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Score: 92.34
Hamad International Airport in Doha blends luxury with efficiency, offering travellers art installations, high-end shopping, and quiet relaxation lounges.
- Features a massive teddy bear sculpture
- Multiple transit hotels and spa options
- Strong hub for Qatar Airways’ global network
4. Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Score: 89.48
Formerly known as Abu Dhabi International, Zayed Airport made a splash with its new terminal and focus on smart travel tech.
- Newly rebranded and expanded
- Uses biometric gates for faster boarding
- Premium lounges and a smooth transit setup
5. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE
Score: 88.38
A major gateway between East and West, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is busy but impressively well-run, with top-tier amenities and plenty of reasons to arrive early.
- One of the busiest airports in the world
- Massive Duty-Free shopping zones
- Strong connectivity across continents
6. Hong Kong International Airport
Score: 86.22
Hong Kong International Airport, also known as HKIA, remains a regional powerhouse, balancing speedy immigration, clean terminals, and aerobridge access to most gates.
- Built on reclaimed land with a stunning sea view
- Offers in-terminal golf simulators and an IMAX theatre
- Smart airport tech is integrated throughout
7. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland
Score: 86.18
Efficient and relaxed, Helsinki’s main airport is a favourite for smooth transfers, Scandinavian-style comfort, and calm ambience.
- Compact yet easy to navigate
- Great for layovers to/from Europe and Asia
- Excellent coffee shops and Finnish design elements
8. Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan
Score: 84.47
More convenient than Narita, Haneda Airport excels with its spotless facilities, high-speed rail access, and blending tradition with tech.
- Closer to Tokyo’s city centre
- Famous for on-time departures
- Japanese cultural displays and shops
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, India
Score: 84.23
Mumbai’s main international gateway made headlines by becoming the first Indian airport to get Level 5 accreditation for customer experience.
- Operated by Adani Airport Holdings
- Unique peacock-inspired terminal design
- Art galleries and local cuisine options
10. Incheon International Airport, South Korea
Score: 83.67
Incheon Airport of South Korea wraps up the list, offering exceptional efficiency, K-culture touches, and a reputation for being one of the cleanest airports in the world.
- Free cultural performances and tours
- High-speed rail to Seoul in under an hour
- Relaxation zones and top-rated lounges
What This List Tells Us
- Middle Eastern airports are dominating global rankings, with four in the top five.
- Asian hubs continue to innovate, focusing on nature, art, and ease of transit.
- Airports are now judged not just by speed, but by experience, design, amenities, and even ambience.
Why These Rankings Matter for Travellers
Whether you’re planning a layover, a long-haul flight, or just picking a better hub for your connections, this list is a useful tool. These airports aren’t just efficient, they make travel enjoyable.
So next time you’re booking a flight, you might want to consider routing through one of these airports.
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