According to Skytrax, Changi International Airport offers an unparalleled passenger experience
With shops to explore, multiple attractions, expansive duty-free shopping areas and plenty of restaurants where you can relax with a cocktail before your flight, more and more airports are being described as "the destination itself".
So, if a fun airport trip is essential to your vacation, Skytrax has you covered, referring to its annual ranking of the best airports in the world in 2023.
The UK-based airline and airport review site collected its list by surveying travelers from more than 550 airports and asking them to rate the experience across the airport, evaluating everything from check-in and security to food and retail options, terminal layouts, and WiFi.
Skytrax surveys are not affected by any airport, so all data collected is based solely on customer experience.
At the top of this year's list is Singapore's Changi Airport, which has regained its title at the World Airport Awards 2023.
Changi Airport won the gold medal
From 2013 to 2020, the airport topped the Skytrax list for eight consecutive years.
In 2021, it lagged behind Hamad International Airport in Doha and Haneda Airport in Tokyo for two consecutive years due to passenger traffic falling or grounded during the pandemic.
However, now it's back at the top of the list, and for good reason.
Spanning four terminals, Changi Airport features a swimming pool, cinema, playground, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, numerous luxury shops, art exhibitions, koi ponds, butterfly gardens and an indoor forest with over 2,000 trees.
It's no surprise, then, that Changi Airport has won more than 660 awards since its opening in 1981.
According to Skytrax, Qatar's Hamad International Airport has been described as "the world's most architecturally significant terminal complex."
Qatar's Hamad International Airport came in second, slipping from its previous top spot.
The airport stands out for its futuristic design and high-tech features, including facial scanners. But if you want a more natural atmosphere, don't worry: it also has an indoor tropical garden.
In third place went to Haneda's Tokyo International Airport, which also won the World's Cleanest Airport Award.
When it comes to dining options at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, you'll be spoilt for choice
European cities that made it to the final ranking include Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France, Munich in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland and Barajas in Madrid, Spain. Still, if you want to experience the most impressive terminal in the world, it's best to head further afield.
In addition to listing the best overall airport, Skytrax has also presented other awards, including a regional award, best airport hotel, and more recently, an airport art award.
The Houston Airport System is home to one of the largest public art collections in Texas, and it represents the largest collection of public art in Texas. P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport won the New Airport Art Award.
The hotel at Changi Airport, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, has been named the world's best airport hotel for eight consecutive years.
Top 10 best airports in the world 2023
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Hamad Airport in Doha
- Tokyo International Airport
- Seoul Incheon Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Istanbul Airport
- Munich Airport
- Zurich Airport
- Tokyo Narita Airport
- Madrid Barajas Airport
Which airport do you prefer?