For the 35th year in a row, Condé Nast Traveler has announced its Reader’s Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, and more in the world according to travelers.
This year’s airport awards reveal the top ten best airports in the world, as voted on by frequent flyers.
Air travel has been making a steady recovery throughout 2022, with passenger numbers peaking again after lagging for two years.
However, this has made air travel more stressful in 2022, as airports and airlines struggle to keep up with increased demand. The year has been marked by extreme flight delays and overcrowded airports around the world, making air travel a less-than-pleasant ordeal.
However, the airports on this list have been oases of calm amongst the chaos, offering efficiency and comfort for travelers.
These are the airports that earned a spot on the ranking of the best airports in the world for 2022:
1. Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is a relative newcomer to the list of best airports in the world, having only opened in 2018. But it’s quickly climbed in the rankings of the best airports in the world.
This new state-of-the-art airport is much like Istanbul itself: an international crossroads that is a bridge between East and West. Poised to become the largest airport in the world, Istanbul Airport scored points for its efficiency and modern, clean design.
2. Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport has long been a favorite for travelers, scoring at the top of almost every airport ranking list.
This air travel hub has completely reimagined what an airport can be: it offers a tranquil indoor forest featuring a striking waterfall, a free movie theater, a butterfly garden, and even a rooftop pool and hot tub where you can watch flights taking off and landing.
Singapore Changi Airport is known for its sustainability and design, and for being a gateway to many destinations around Asia.
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport
Seoul Incheon International Airport is another airport in Asia that has claimed one of the top spots on the ranking of best airports worldwide for many years.
This major international airport is connected to Seoul by high-speed rail and offers many amenities, including lounges and a spa where travelers can relax and feel refreshed before a long flight. It’s popular with travelers for being efficient and organized.
4. Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport in Switzerland is known for being the best airport in Europe and among the best in the world. It’s no surprise that the Swiss stereotype of efficiency and punctuality carries over to their largest international airport.
This airport is well-designed, clean, and comfortable, offering every amenity travelers may need. And a large duty-free shopping area ensures that you can pick up some delicious Swiss chocolate before you depart!
5. Tokyo Haneda Airport
Coming in at number five on the list of best airports in the world is Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. For many years, this was a domestic airport, but it has expanded its international service, making it popular with travelers.
This airport scores points for being much closer to downtown Tokyo than Narita, the city’s other main airport. It’s also popular with travelers for being clean, efficient, and having lots of shopping and dining options.
Other Airport Winners
While the above airports captured the top five spots in this year’s rankings of best in the world, the following airports are worth an honorable mention:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Hamad International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Hong Kong International Airport
- Helsinki Airport
These airports captured spots five through ten on the list of best airports in the world thanks to their efficiency, design, and amenities.
