The best airports in the world have been announced for 2023

Do you like the atmosphere of the airport or is it the only thing you fear when you leave?

With shops to explore, countless attractions, expansive duty-free shopping areas and plenty of restaurants where you can relax with a pre-flight cocktail, airports are increasingly being referred to as ‘the destination in itself’.

So if a fun airport trip is essential to your vacation, look no further with Skytrax’s annual ranking of the world’s best airports for 2023.

The UK-based airline and airport review site compiles its list by polling travelers from more than 550 airports and asking them to rate their entire airport experience, covering everything from check-in and security to dining and shopping, terminal layouts and WLAN reviews.

The Skytrax study is independent of airport influences, therefore all data collected is based solely on customer experiences.

And top of the list this year is Singapore’s Changi Airport, which reclaimed its title at the World Airport Awards 2023.

Before that, the airport topped the Skytrax list for eight consecutive years from 2013 to 2020.

It closed in 2021 due to declining passenger numbers during the pandemic, falling behind Doha’s Hamad International Airport and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in the past two years.

However, it has now reclaimed its place at the top, and rightly so.

Spread over four terminals, Changi Airport is home to a swimming pool, cinema, playground, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, an extensive array of luxury shops, art exhibitions, koi ponds, a butterfly garden and an indoor forest with more than 2,000 trees.

No wonder Changi Airport has received more than 660 awards since it opened in 1981.

Hamad International Airport in Qatar took second place, dropping from its previous top spot.

This airport is characterized by its futuristic design and high-tech features, including facial scanners. But don’t worry if you’re looking for a more natural atmosphere: it also has an indoor tropical garden.

Third place went to Tokyo International Airport in Haneda, which was also recognized as the world’s cleanest airport.

European locations that made it to the final ranking are Paris Charles de Gaulle, Munich, Zurich and Madrid Barajas. However, it seems that you are better off if you want to check out the most impressive terminals in the world.

In addition to the best airport overall list, Skytrax presents other awards, including regional awards, best airport hotels and most recently an airport art award.

The Houston Airport System is home to one of the largest public art collections in the state of Texas and has won the New Airport Art Award on behalf of both the William P. Hobby Airport and the George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport.

While Changi’s own hotel, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, has been named the world’s best airport hotel for the eighth time.