Global Airports Rated: Where Travellers Love to Fly In and Out
While a truly memorable holiday might not hinge on the quality of its airport, knowing the ins and outs of your departure and arrival points can certainly smooth the journey. A recent comprehensive study by DiscoverCars.com has shed light on which airports worldwide are earning the highest praise from international travellers.
The research involved surveying 3,500 globetrotters who meticulously rated their airport experiences on a scale of 0 to 10. Their assessments covered crucial aspects such as the level of service provided, how easy it was to find your way around, the length of waiting times, and other vital factors contributing to a positive or negative travel experience.
The outcome is a definitive ranking of the world's most traveller-friendly airports. Let's explore the top contenders and see which one has claimed the ultimate title.
The Top Tier: Airports Earning High Scores
1. Christchurch Airport, New Zealand
Claiming the top spot with an impressive 9.21 out of 10, Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has been recognised as the best airport for travellers. The study highlighted exceptional customer service, with one passenger describing their experience as "smooth and easy," even amidst busy periods. The airport's accommodation options, including the upscale Sudima Hotel, are also noted for their quality. Beyond the airport, Christchurch itself offers a beautiful environment for exploration, with lovely gardens and charming cafes.
2. Queenstown International Airport, New Zealand Narrowly missing the top position, Queenstown Airport in New Zealand garnered high praise for its overwhelmingly positive passenger experiences. Travellers described it as "great, easy to get around and no hold ups." The stunning mountainous backdrop of Queenstown complements its appeal, offering year-round activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing, and hiking, with iconic spots like Coronet Peak nearby.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Madeira, Portugal
Named after the global football icon, this airport in Madeira, Portugal, scored a commendable 9.07 out of 10. Madeira is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest, alongside its unique wines and cuisine. The airport itself is recognised as a pleasant place to spend time, with one traveller noting it "has all the amenities we need and is a comfortable place to wait for a flight."
4. César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, Lanzarote, Spain This is the third airport from the Canary Islands to feature in the top 10, underscoring the region's success in airport management. Lanzarote, known for its diverse beaches and vibrant blue lagoons, attracts around three million visitors annually. The island's airport, located southwest of the capital Arrecife, achieved a score of 8.91. Passengers found the airport and passport control processes to be "quick and easy to get through."
5. Fuerteventura Airport, Fuerteventura, Spain
Travellers to Fuerteventura Airport consistently reported a "quick and smooth" experience, highlighting the importance of efficiency. Convenient transfers and friendly service were also significant contributing factors to its high ranking. Fuerteventura, with its rugged landscapes, unique natural attractions like the Corralejo Dunes, and appeal for relaxation and water sports, is steadily gaining popularity.
6. Athens International Airport, Greece The gateway to Greece's historic capital, Athens International Airport, is praised for its efficiency in processing a high volume of passengers, despite the city's popularity for its ancient wonders like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The duty-free shops offer competitive pricing, and the "Airport Agora" provides a pleasant space for dining and relaxation before flights.
7. Gran Canaria Airport, Gran Canaria, Spain Often referred to as Las Palmas Airport, this facility serves as the entry point to the popular island of Gran Canaria, famed for its sand dunes, volcanic terrain, and lively nightlife. It earned a score of 8.69 out of 10. The airport is generally perceived as clean and spacious, with ample room for queues, and travellers benefit from more affordable food and drink prices compared to many other major European airports.
8. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Spain
This busy airport on Spain's southern coast is a favourite among European holidaymakers heading to popular resorts. Plans are underway for its expansion to accommodate the high volume of travellers. Once past security, passengers can enjoy a wide selection of dining, drinking, and shopping options, though it can get crowded during peak summer months. It received positive reviews and an impressive score of 8.61.
9. Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy As the highest-ranking Italian airport on the list, Milan Malpensa serves a broad region, including Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and the Swiss canton of Ticino. Despite often being busy, navigating the airport is typically a swift and uncomplicated affair. Its proximity to Milan, just 25 minutes away, along with easy access to Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, makes it a convenient choice for many.
10. Auckland Airport, New Zealand
New Zealand's busiest and largest airport, Auckland Airport, scored 8.49 and processed over 18 million passengers in 2024. Recent improvements, including clearer signage and self-service kiosks, have been implemented to enhance the traveller experience, making it a more hassle-free point of transit.
Other Highly Rated Airports
The study also recognised a range of other airports that offer excellent experiences for travellers:
- 11. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, Italy: Praised for efficient operations and recent renovations, this airport is an ideal starting point for exploring the Puglia region. Its VIP lounge is noted for its comfort and local offerings.
- 12. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Portugal: Serving the vibrant city of Porto, this airport has seen significant improvements, offering a bright, spacious, and quiet environment with minimal queues at security and immigration.
- 13. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius: Travellers commend this airport for its efficient arrivals, good facilities, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant gateway to the island.
- 14. Humberto Delgado Airport, Portugal: Informally known as Lisbon Airport, it's the country's busiest hub. While it can be hectic during peak season, its overall facilities and amenities are well-regarded.
- Joint 15. Vincenzo Bellini Airport, Sicily, Italy: Located near Catania, this airport is appreciated for its efficiency and service. The recent opening of the ITA Airways lounge adds to its appeal.
- Joint 15. Tenerife South Airport, Tenerife, Spain: Despite its size, this airport is easy to navigate due to good signage and efficient processes. It offers a superior range of food and beverage options compared to the older airport on the island.
- 17. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Italy: Commonly known as Rome Fiumicino Airport, this major Italian hub is clean, modern, and spacious, with excellent transport links to Rome and a user-friendly design.
- 18. Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy: A popular choice for budget airlines, this airport is known for its generally fast security processes and numerous catering options, despite being busy during early mornings.
- 19. Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco: With its striking modern design, this airport is a favourite, particularly among European visitors. Passengers appreciate the polite staff, smooth immigration, and convenient transport links to the city.
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