World’s Best International Airports

14 Dec

Airports around the world vary dramatically! The comfort level you feel while you are in their precinct, can make a huge difference to your holiday experience. The efficiency and quality of service, range and availability of facilities, general cleanliness and signage, ambiance and atmosphere, shopping and dining opportunities - all contribute significantly to passenger comfort and happiness, perhaps also to how you view the country they represent.

Availability and quality of airport lounges and airport hotels make a huge difference. Being able to break a long journey by spending time in a convenient airport hotel along the way, can mean arriving at your final destination considerably more refreshed and readily able to appreciate the early days of your holiday. There are different types of passenger lounges at major airports around the world - some of them are exceptional, some are simply a quiet space. Often, lounges reflect the culture of the country in which they exist.

We take great pride in carefully researching the best airlines and routings that suit the needs of our clients. As part of facilitating your holiday arrangements, it is our job (and pleasure) to be aware of all viable options, to advise and recommend - so that your flights actually enhance your holiday experience.

For your information, we have listed this year’s selection of the best international airports in the world, as chosen by the global Reader’s Choice Awards. We know them well, and hope you find them of interest. Choosing the most appropriate airlines and routings to suit your needs, is an important part of holiday planning.

Global Reader’s Choice Awards

1. Singapore

An ideal gateway to dozens of holiday locations, particularly in Asia and Europe, this is home to the very popular Singapore Airlines. The airport is a destination in itself, with an indoor waterfall, butterfly garden, open-air decks and restaurants. Transit passengers are offered a free city tour. There’s a swimming pool and free 24-hour cinema, children’s play areas, self-boarding gates, free and fast wifi.

2. Doha

More like a resort hotel than a bustling airport, Hamad airport is the major connecting hub for Qatar’s home airline. Its amenities include no fewer than 8 premium lounges, fitness centre, squash courts, indoor swimming pool, plus quiet rooms and children’s entertainment zones. An up-scale hotel inside the terminal offers half or full-day stopovers.

3. Seoul/Incheon

Primarily serving the country’s two main international airlines, Incheon recently (2018) opened a second passenger terminal. There’s a high-speed rail link from the terminal to the city centre - approx 40 minutes, 50 kms away. The airport features spacious lounges and amenities, including a spa, indoor skating rink, and a ‘Culture Street’ with local food and dance performances.

4. Dubai

One of the world’s biggest airports, and unsurprisingly one of the biggest duty-free shopping centres. Dubai is the base for Emirates, but also serves scores of other airlines. Its amenities include zen gardens and nap-pods. Dubai, of course, is a very popular stopover destination of Australians travelling to Europe or North Africa.

5. Jamaica

This Montego Bay airport is a particularly clean and efficient facility. The Club Mobay VIP Lounge (for both arrivals and departures) runs in partnership with leading hotels - it provides a concierge-style service that efficiently facilitates your passage through formalities on the way to the resort you came for - you barely touch the airport on the way!

6. Tokyo/Haneda

Primarily a domestic airport in the past, Haneda is now developing into a stronger international airport without the bustling crowds of Narita. With a reputation for comfort and cleanliness, Haneda is just 15 kms from the city centre with a fast and efficient link to downtown. It has a wide array of airport shopping and dining options.

7. Hong Kong

One of East Asia’s top connecting hubs, this airport (home base for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon Airways) is on an island, with a fast 24-minute connection to the city. It services multiple destinations in mainland China, and internationally. A wide array of premium-class lounges operates. The Regal Airport Hotel is one of the world’s best airport hotels.

8. Mumbai

Mumbai’s airport has been transformed in recent years from an aging overcrowded facility to a gleaming international hub. The airy open design of modern Terminal 2 showcases dining and shopping options. The First and Business Class lounge offers spa and shower facilities, and full meal service. There’s a 4-star transit hotel in the airport.

9. Zurich

Switzerland’s largest international airport is also the home of duty-free chocolate. There are more than 80 high-quality shops to browse, restaurants and bars, even grocery stores. The 9 lounges feature champagne and whiskey bars. There’s an outdoor observation deck with sweeping views of the runway action.

10. Istanbul

With a runway capacity of 90 flights an hour, this airport has ambitions to become a major global player. Its modern design accommodates high-tech touches, like a fleet of robots to direct passengers through the huge airport spaces.