World’s Best Airports: Only one US airport hub ranks among the world’s top 20 airports

Travelers looking to depart from a modern, attractive airport with efficient security, tasteful restaurants, and world-class shopping should bypass the United States

According to aviation ranking website Skytrax, only one U.S. airport ranks in the top 20 in the world — Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington state at number 18. The rest of the continent isn’t as hot either. Only one other combat hub in North America makes it to number 20, Canada’s Vancouver International Airport.

To fly in style, you need to travel to Europe and Asia, which have nine and eight of the best airports respectively, while Australia’s Melbourne Airport also makes the cut (No. 19).

Topping the list is Singapore’s Changi Airport, according to Skytrax, which based its ranking on customer satisfaction surveys from more than 550 airports, evaluating things like terminal layouts, security procedures, seating, transportation options, dining areas and shopping options.

Singapore’s busiest airport has often dominated lists of the world’s best airports despite slipping down the rankings during the coronavirus pandemic. It features numerous shopping opportunities and lush interior gardens.

A look at some of the strikingly modern architecture at Singapore’s Changi Airport, recently ranked as the best airport in the world by flight ratings website Skytrax. Getty Images

Singapore Changi Airport features a fern, orchid garden and fish ponds Andrew Woodley/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

Other top-ranking airports in Asia are Hamad International Airport in Doha, which ranked second on Skytrax’s list, and Haneda Airport in Tokyo (No. 3). The top airports in Europe included Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (#5) and Munich International Airport (#7).

Airports in the United States, most of which are publicly owned and operated by state or local governments or quasi-public entities such as airport or port authorities, are among the country’s infrastructure investment gaps, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service suffered.

In comparison, 41% of European airports have private shareholders, according to Airport Council International, an organization that monitors international airport standards and industry practices.

Transportation department launches family home dashboard for air travel 03:22

If US airports don’t show respect, at least one hub that used to be considered the country’s worst airport is now making its mark: New York’s LaGuardia Airport. SkyTrax called the facility’s Terminal B, which opened last year, the best new terminal in the world. According to the Port Authority, the project was the result of a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership.

Here are the 20 best airports in the world according to Skytrax rankings:

Singapore ChangiHamad International AirportTokyo (Haneda) International AirportIncheon International AirportCharles de Gaulle AirportParisIstanbul AirportMunich AirportZürich AirportNarita International AirportMadrid-BarajasInternational AirportVienna

Trending News