World's best airport 2025 named with new ‘triple runway' and it has cheap UK flights
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THE world's best airport has been named and it is good news for Brits as it has cheap UK flights.
According to Travel + Leisure, iGA Istanbul Airport in Turkey is the best international airport in the World Best Awards ranking.
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Istanbul Airport in Turkey has been named the world's best airport
Credit: Alamy
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Inside the airport, there is a wealth of things to explore including sleeping pods
Credit: Alamy
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The airport is also the first in Europe to have a 'triple runway'
Credit: Alamy
The airport scored a staggering 98.57 out of 100 overall, from readers sharing the airports that they remember the most.
Istanbul Airport originally opened in 2018 and inside boasts a wealth of amazing - and some bizarre - things to do, as well as a 'triple runway'.
The airport is the first in Europe to have a triple runway operation system.
It essentially means the airport can have three flights take off or land at the same time and as a result, increases the airport's hourly traffic capacity from 120 to 148 aircraft movements.
Inside the airport, there seems to be endless things to do, but if you want some rest before your flight you could cosy up in a sleep pod.
In total there are 44 sleeping cabins, with pillows and blankets also available for purchase.
But they don't come cheap, costing between €7 (£6.06) and €17 (£14.72) per hour.
And there are other pods too, like business pods if you need to catch up on some work calls.
For passengers aged between 15 and 30 years old, there is a Youth Lounge Area with games including a PlayStation, music, snacks and four hours of free Wi-Fi.
Or for adults wanting a little vacation R&R, there is a spa offering wellness treatments and massages.
I visited the pretty city that straddles both Asia and Europe
For those who prefer to explore history there is also an airport museum with 316 works.
Alternatively, you can head to one of the airport's TV-watching areas to watch a show or movie or grab a book at the Airport Library - home to around 2,000 books.
Amongst other facilities at the airport are showers and playgrounds for kids with slides and swings.
And there is even a therapy dog called Kuki, who travellers can play with.
After exploring all the airport has to offer, if you want some fresh air there are also two fresh air terraces that are non-smoking areas outside.
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The triple runway enables the airport to have three flights land or take off at the same time
Credit: Alamy
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And there are cheap flights to Istanbul too, with a return as little as £50 with Wizz Air
Credit: Alamy
Then there are the usual things you find at airports too, such as shops and restaurants.
Corporate communications director for the airport, Gökhan Şengül said: "It is especially meaningful for us that Turkish culture known for its hospitality, refinement, and service that exceeds global standards stands out through our airport.
"In doing so, we take great pride in representing not only iGA, but also Istanbul and our country's rich cultural heritage on the international stage, while contributing to its brand value."
The airport was also named the best in the world in the 2024 table.
Many airlines fly to the airport including Wizz Air - which offers return flights to Istanbul for as little as £50.
What it's like to travel through Istanbul Airport
THE Sun's Assitant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited the airport last year.
If there's one airport I wouldn't mind being seriously delayed in, it's Istanbul in Turkiye.
The place is vast and shiny with enough food (for any budget), shopping (think chic clothes and hand-painted kitchenware), and entertainment (there's even a library home to 2,000 books) to keep you occupied for hours on end.
Better still, if your flight gets cancelled you won't even need to endure the faff of security again as the large Yotel sits airside.
I visited last year and couldn't have been more grateful for the size of the place, meaning I could whizz straight past the screaming kids in the massive Lego store and head straight to the food courts where I had no problem finding a quiet seat for a drink – Çay Saati has traditional Turkish tea.
In fact many stores in the airport blend Turkish traditions with the modern world and you could certainly get a flavour of Turkiye without ever leaving the terminal.
The size of the place comes with a downside, though. Make sure you keep an eye out for your gate as it will take you a while to walk there – and try not to get lost on the way.
A summer holiday warning has been issued over airport drop-off fees which are to surge by 33 per cent – here's how to avoid them and pay nothing.
Plus, another European country will allow Brits to use much faster airport e-gates.
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