The 10 Best Airports In The World And 10 You Might Want To Avoid

Airports. Love them or hate them, they’re the gateway to adventure! But not all of them roll out the red carpet.

Some make you feel like you’ve stepped into a futuristic utopia, complete with rooftop gardens, luxury lounges, and even free massages. Others?

Let’s just say you might need a survival kit, a meditation app, and nerves of steel to make it through.

1. Singapore Changi Airport

Forget everything you thought you knew about airports! Changi isn’t just an airport, it’s a full-blown experience.

Where else can you wander through a butterfly garden, take a dip in a rooftop pool, or marvel at a massive indoor waterfall?

This place is so good, travelers actually look forward to layovers here. Need to kill time? Watch a movie at the 24-hour theater, stretch out in a sleep pod, or indulge in some high-end shopping. Changi makes missing a flight almost… tempting.

2. Incheon International Airport

South Korea’s Incheon International Airport is a masterclass in efficiency and traveler comfort. From the moment you step off the plane, you’re greeted with ultra-modern facilities, lightning-fast immigration, and an incredibly well-organized layout.

Incheon isn’t just an airport; it’s an experience. Fancy a nap? There are comfortable lounges and free rest areas. Need entertainment? You’ll find movie theaters, an indoor ice skating rink, and cultural performances showcasing Korean heritage.

For those who love a touch of luxury, Incheon’s duty-free shopping rivals some of the best malls in Asia, offering everything from designer brands to high-end Korean beauty products.

3. Tokyo Haneda Airport

Tokyo Haneda Airport is where efficiency meets elegance. Japan is known for precision and hospitality, and Haneda Airport is no exception.

It’s spotless, organized, and shockingly quiet for an airport this size! Haneda offers flawless security, fast baggage claim, and easy transportation into Tokyo.

And don’t miss the Edo Market inside the terminal, where you can grab a bowl of steaming ramen and wander through a beautifully recreated historic Japanese street.

4. Hamad International Airport

Here, layovers feel like luxury! If Qatar Airways is your airline of choice, you’re in luck!

Hamad International Airport is a dream. Designed to be one of the most luxurious airports on the planet, it features high-end boutiques, art installations, and a five-star hotel inside the terminal.

Need to freshen up? There are nap pods, shower facilities, and a gym for passengers. Even the economy-class experience feels premium!

5. Hong Kong International Airport

Have you ever thought that travel can feel effortless? Well, Hong Kong says: absolutely yes!

The airport’s design emphasizes both convenience and comfort, making it a favorite among globetrotters. Each visit here feels like a journey through modern travel excellence, setting the standard for airports worldwide.

With super-fast immigration, a massive shopping complex, and an IMAX theater, Hong Kong’s airport is built for travelers who like things easy and stylish. It even has an indoor golf course—because why not?

6. Munich Airport

A beer garden in an airport? Yes, please!

Only in Germany would you find a legit beer garden inside an airport. Munich’s airport is modern, easy to navigate, and packed with incredible food options.

Bonus? In the winter, they set up an ice-skating rink. Seriously, this airport makes layovers fun.

It also ranks highly in passenger satisfaction due to its friendly customer service and clean, spacious design.

7. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is as smooth as its famous canals. Whether you’re transferring flights or starting your journey here, expect modern amenities, quick security lines, and plenty of great food options.

The airport’s layout is incredibly user-friendly, meaning you’ll never feel lost or overwhelmed.

Schiphol also features a library, a wellness spa, and even an art gallery showcasing works from the Rijksmuseum. It’s an airport that makes travel feel like an experience, not a chore.

8. Zurich Airport

Switzerland doesn’t mess around when it comes to efficiency, and Zurich’s airport is as smooth as Swiss chocolate. It’s got breathtaking views of the Alps, luxury lounges, and even bike rentals so you can explore the nearby trails.

If only all airports were this clean, calm, and beautifully designed.

Zurich Airport also stands out for its sustainability efforts, using renewable energy and eco-friendly operations. It’s one of the greenest airports in the world, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand

9. Heathrow Airport

Heathrow might be one of the busiest airports in the world, but it knows how to handle the volume.

With luxury lounges, world-class dining, and efficient security procedures, it ensures travelers get through smoothly.

For those flying business or first class, the lounge experience is exceptional, with full-service dining and spa treatments. And for economy travelers? Heathrow still delivers a premium experience with top-tier shopping and food options.

10. Dubai International Airport

Dubai doesn’t do anything small, and its airport is no exception.

This massive, high-end travel hub is packed with shopping, gourmet dining, and even a Zen garden.

The Emirates lounge? One of the best in the world. If you’re flying first class, you can even board directly from the lounge. Because in Dubai, of course, you can.

11. Los Angeles International Airport

Flying through LAX? May the odds be ever in your favor. This place is a chaotic labyrinth of endless security lines, poor signage, and traffic so bad you’ll start wondering if teleportation is possible.

Want to grab a snack? Hope you like overpriced sandwiches. Need to transfer terminals? Better start jogging, because some connections require a bus ride that feels longer than your actual flight.

LAX has been undergoing renovations for years, but the experience remains a headache.

12. New York JFK Airport (JFK)

New York JFK Airport is synonymous with the phrase “hurry up and wait”. The perpetual lines, incessant delays, and a labyrinth of terminals create a perfect storm. As you navigate through the hustle, patience truly becomes a virtue.

JFK is what happens when an airport tries to juggle millions of passengers a year without the infrastructure to handle it. Expect endless delays, baggage claim nightmares, and the distinct feeling that no one actually knows what’s going on.

If you have a connecting flight, give yourself extra time. Transferring between terminals is a logistical headache. The security lines are long, the layout is confusing, and customer service? Hit or miss, at best.

13. Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG)

Paris may be the city of romance, but Charles de Gaulle Airport is where dreams go to die. Confusing layouts, poorly labeled gates, and a lack of seating make it a frustrating experience even for seasoned travelers.

Need help? Good luck! Customer service is infamous for being unhelpful, and if you don’t speak French, prepare for some extra confusion.

Getting through CDG often feels like solving a complex puzzle, except you don’t win anything at the end.

14. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Stepping into Manila’s main airport feels like entering a time warp. Outdated facilities, poor air conditioning, and chaotic organization make this one of the least enjoyable airport experiences in the world.

If you’re transferring flights, prepare for a challenge—terminals are separate, and getting from one to another is like navigating a jungle, minus the charm.

Expect long lines, a lack of seating, and a general sense of disorganization that will test even the most patient traveler.

15. LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

If there were an official ranking for airports that travelers love to complain about, LaGuardia would be near the top.

It has cramped terminals, outdated infrastructure, and an overall experience that feels more like a bus station than a major international airport.

They’ve tried to improve things with renovations, but until it feels less like a travel obstacle course, it remains one of the worst airports to navigate.

16. São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

For an airport that serves one of the largest cities in South America, you’d expect better.

Instead, Guarulhos International is a mess of long security lines, slow baggage claim, and a general lack of organization.

Connections? Good luck. The layout is confusing, customer service is minimal, and delays are common. If you’re flying through GRU, patience is key.

17. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)

As Kenya’s main international airport, you’d hope for a more streamlined experience. Instead, NBO is notorious for long waits, lack of air conditioning, and a general sense of disorganization.

Security checks can feel arbitrary, and flight delays are all too common.

If you’re connecting flights, be prepared for inconsistent procedures and confusing navigation through the airport. The waiting areas lack sufficient seating, and finding food options that aren’t overpriced can be a struggle. It’s an airport experience that demands patience and a good sense of humor.

18. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is often described as “chaotic” at best. It’s small, overcrowded, and severely lacking in basic facilities.

The immigration process can be painfully slow, and baggage handling is unreliable.

Security checks are sluggish, seating is minimal, and if you’re expecting any kind of luxury, lower your expectations. If you’re planning to explore Nepal, just remind yourself that the destination is worth the struggle.

19. London Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted Airport is mainly used by budget airlines, and unfortunately, that budget feel extends to the entire experience. Expect crowded terminals, long waits, and a security process that feels unnecessarily complicated.

The lack of comfortable seating and subpar dining options make waiting for a flight here a drag.

If you have a choice between Stansted and another London airport, take the other option.

20. Islamabad International Airport (ISB)

Islamabad Airport is a blend of new and old, constantly evolving. The modern architecture promises a world-class experience, yet some areas remain a work in progress.

While recent upgrades have improved Islamabad’s airport, it still struggles with long waits, inconsistent policies, and frequent flight delays.

Passengers often complain about poor signage, slow immigration, and a general lack of amenities to make long layovers more bearable.