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Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
The New Layover Luxury: How Airports Are Becoming Destinations in Themselves
The days of dreading long layovers are fading. For Dubai residents, who frequently jet across the globe through one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, the airport experience is no longer about racing to a gate or enduring endless queues. It's about savoring a moment. Airports, once sterile transit points, are transforming into vibrant destinations that rival the cities they serve. From gourmet dining to wellness spas and architectural marvels, the modern airport is redefining travel. For those living in Dubai, where aviation is a way of life, this evolution hits close to home. Dubai International Airport (DXB) already sets a high bar, but the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) promises to raise it even further. This shift reflects a broader trend. Airports worldwide are tapping into the experience economy, turning layovers into opportunities for luxury, leisure and even cultural immersion. Travelers are no longer just passing through. They're lingering, shopping, dining and relaxing in spaces designed to captivate. Explore how airports are becoming lifestyle hubs, mini-cities and luxury retreats. From stunning architecture to wellness zones and curated layover experiences, here's how airports are rewriting the travel narrative. The Rise of the Airport Experience Economy Dubai International Airport / Image Source: Emirates Airports have always been about movement, but today they're about moments. Global travel trends, longer layovers and the rise of mega-hubs like Dubai have shifted priorities. With passenger numbers soaring— DXB handled 92.3 million passengers in 2024 —airports see idle time as an economic opportunity. Instead of letting travelers twiddle their thumbs, they're encouraging them to spend on dining, shopping and entertainment. This is the airport experience economy, where every moment is a chance to engage. The concept of 'slow travel' is gaining traction. Travelers, including Dubai's jet-setting residents, are choosing longer layovers to explore airports or nearby cities. Airlines like Emirates and airports like DXB capitalize on this by offering curated experiences, from city tours to in-terminal perks. The economic impact is massive. Airports generate billions in non-aviation revenue like retail, dining and services. For instance, DXB's duty-free shops alone raked in AED7.9 billion in 2024. This shift isn't just about profit; it's about reimagining the airport as a destination where travelers want to linger. Architecture, Art & Aesthetics: Instagrammable Airports Singapore Jewel Changi Airport / Image Source: Architecture Digest Step into Singapore's Changi Airport, and you're greeted by a 40-meter indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, surrounded by a lush forest. In Doha's Hamad International, a giant yellow teddy bear sculpture by Urs Fischer doubles as an art statement and a selfie magnet. Closer to home, Dubai Terminal 3 at DXB stuns with its sleek design, palm-lined atriums and shimmering gold accents. These airports aren't just functional. They're architectural masterpieces designed to dazzle. Modern airports are becoming part of a city's cultural branding. Dubai, a city synonymous with ambition, uses DXB to showcase its modernity. The terminal's open spaces, natural light and art installations reflect the emirate's futuristic ethos. Other airports follow suit. Changi's Jewel complex, with its glass-domed rainforest, is a tourist attraction in its own right. Hamad International's airy design and Qatari art collections scream sophistication. These spaces are built to be shared on social media, turning airports into Instagrammable landmarks that boost a city's global image. For Dubai residents, DXB's aesthetic is a point of pride; a gateway that mirrors the city's grandeur. The Hotel-ification of Terminals Oryx Airport Hotel at Hamad International Airport / Image Source: Qatar Airways Gone are the days of napping on hard airport benches. Today's terminals feel like boutique hotels. At DXB, Emirates' First Class Lounge offers private suites, fine dining and a spa with complimentary massages. Across the globe, airports are upping the ante. Doha's Hamad International boasts the Oryx Airport Hotel with a swimming pool and squash courts. San Francisco International has a yoga room for travelers to unwind. Sleeping pods, like those at DXB's Sleep 'n Fly lounges, provide cozy nooks for a quick nap. These amenities are a game-changer. Whether you're a frequent flyer or heading on a holiday, DXB's wellness offerings like in-terminal massages and quiet zones make layovers feel like mini-retreats. Other airports are catching up. Helsinki-Vantaa offers saunas, a nod to Finnish culture. Munich Airport has nap cabs and a rooftop terrace. These spaces prioritize comfort, turning the airport into a sanctuary rather than a stress zone. The result? Travelers arrive refreshed, not frazzled. Gaming Lounge at Dubai International Airport / Image Source: The National Airports have moved beyond duty-free liquor and perfume. Today, they're retail and culinary powerhouses. DXB's shopping scene rivals Dubai Mall, with designer boutiques like Chanel and Rolex. Dining has gone gourmet. DXB offers local flavors at places like Jones the Grocer alongside international chains like Shake Shack. Entertainment is evolving too. Incheon Airport in South Korea has a cinema and ice-skating rink. Los Angeles International features live music pop-ups. DXB's Zen Garden and gaming lounges keep travelers engaged. For Dubai residents, these options make layovers a chance to shop for luxury goods or enjoy a world-class meal without leaving the terminal. Airports are also embracing local culture. Qatar's Hamad International serves Arabic mezze, while Tokyo's Narita offers sushi bars. This blend of global and local creates a dining and shopping experience that feels like a destination itself. Wellness & Sustainability: A New Focus Be Relax at Dubai International Airport / Image Source: Dubai Airports Travel can be exhausting, but airports are prioritizing well-being. DXB's quiet zones and prayer rooms cater to spiritual and mental health. Natural lighting floods terminals, reducing stress. Oslo Airport's green roof and indoor plants improve air quality. Meditation zones, like those at San Francisco International, offer calm amidst the chaos. Sustainability is another priority. DXB aims to achieve 50% carbon neutrality by 2030 , with solar panels and eco-friendly food courts. Oslo Airport uses snow collected in winter to cool terminals in summer. Al Maktoum International, under construction, targets LEED Gold certification with energy-efficient designs. These efforts resonate with Dubai residents, who live in a city pushing for sustainability. Green initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the traveler experience, making airports feel fresh and forward-thinking. The Business Traveler's Playground Image Source: Inc. Magazine For Dubai's business community, airports are more than transit points; they're workspaces. DXB offers ultra-fast Wi-Fi, co-working lounges and private meeting rooms. Emirates' Business Class Lounge includes workstations and shower suites. Other airports are following suit. London Heathrow's Plaza Premium Lounge offers nap pods and tech rentals. Singapore's Changi has dedicated business zones with high-speed internet. The rise of 'bleisure' travel, blending business and leisure, is shaping airport design. Travelers want to work efficiently and relax in style. DXB's concierge services, like baggage handling and fast-track immigration, save time. These amenities make business trips seamless, whether you're closing a deal or catching a quick nap before a meeting. Airports are becoming extensions of the office, tailored to the needs of the modern professional. Layovers as Mini-Vacations Image Source: Economy Middle East Savvy travelers, including Dubai residents, are turning layovers into mini-vacations. Why rush through an airport when you can enjoy its perks? Airlines like Turkish Airlines offer free Istanbul city tours for layovers over six hours. DXB's stopover packages include hotel stays and desert safaris. A 12-hour layover at DXB could look like this: start with breakfast at Giraffe World Kitchen, relax with a massage at the Be Relax Spa, shop at duty-free boutiques, and catch a movie in the Zen Garden's media lounge. If time allows, take a shuttle to Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa for a quick city adventure. This trend is global. Singapore's Changi offers free city tours, including a heritage trail. Doha's Hamad International arranges desert excursions. These experiences turn layovers into opportunities to explore, making airports gateways to both the terminal and the city beyond. DXB's proximity to iconic landmarks makes it easy to blend airport time with a taste of the emirate's glamour. Al Maktoum Airport's Game-Changing Blueprint Dubai is no stranger to setting global benchmarks, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to redefine the airport experience. Set to be the world's largest airport by 2050 , DWC will span 70 square kilometers, five times the size of DXB. With a $35 billion investment, the first phase, due by 2032, will handle 150 million passengers annually. When fully operational, it will accommodate 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo yearly, making it a global logistics powerhouse. DWC's features are futuristic. Biometric immigration and smart gates will eliminate check-in counters. AI-driven baggage systems and robotics will streamline operations. An automated people mover will whisk passengers across two terminals and seven concourses with 400 aircraft gates. Sustainability is central, with LEED Gold certification and solar-powered infrastructure. The airport will integrate with Jebel Ali Port, creating a multimodal logistics hub connecting air, land and sea. Beyond functionality, DWC will be a lifestyle destination. Plans include luxury hotels, high-end retail and entertainment zones. An 'aerotropolis' will surround the airport, housing one million people and hosting global logistics firms. For Dubai residents, DWC will be a source of pride and convenience, located just 30 minutes from downtown. Emirates and flydubai will relocate to DWC by 2034, ensuring seamless transitions. This mega-hub will not only elevate Dubai's aviation status but also set a new standard for airports worldwide, blending luxury, technology, and sustainability. Airports have transformed from stress-filled transit zones to luxury getaways. No longer just a means to an end, they're destinations where travelers shop, dine, relax and even work. For Dubai residents, this evolution is especially meaningful. DXB already offers a taste of this luxury, but Al Maktoum International will take it to new heights, blending cutting-edge technology with unparalleled comfort. This shift reflects the modern travel ethos: it's not just about the destination but the journey itself. As airports like DWC redefine what's possible, your next favorite destination might not be a city—it might be its airport. Also Read: Revealed: Dubai's New Airport to Have Monorails, Mini Forest And More Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is poised to become a city within itself, boasting its own transportation network, green spaces, entertainment zones, and retail outlets. Things to do in your leisure time at Dubai International Airport (DXB) If you find yourself with some time to spare at DXB, here are some things you can do to make the most of your layover. UAE Airports Set Global Standard with Smart Travel Innovations UAE airports are redefining the future of air travel with groundbreaking digital transformations, according to Selim Bouri, President for the Middle East and Africa at SITA. DWC Airport Unveils Futuristic Travel Experience Featuring AI, Robots and Seamless Check-In Dubai is set to redefine air travel with a cutting-edge experience at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), where artificial intelligence, autonomous robots, and biometric systems will work together to create one of the most seamless airport journeys in the world. Al Maktoum International Airport to Begin Operations by 2032 Dubai's aviation landscape is set for a dramatic transformation as Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) moves closer to becoming the new aviation hub of the emirate.
Toronto Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Pearson fails to crack top 50 despite jump in world's best airports rankings
The YYZ sign at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Saturday, March 11, 2023. Toronto Sun The world's top 100 airports for 2025 have been revealed and only one Canadian airport made the top 20 — and it's not in the GTA. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Pearson International Airport now sits at No. 55 in the rankings, which sounds dismal but that was a jump from 63rd in 2024 and 64th in 2023, according to the Skytrax World Airport Awards. Vancouver International Airport was the highest among all Canadian airports at No. 13, moving up four spots from last year. It's also the only North American airport to make the top 20. The only other Canadian airport that made the list was Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in 51st spot, just four places above Pearson. People take a picture from an observation bridge of the Rain Vortex at Singapore Changi Airport on Dec. 7, 2022. (Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images) Photo by Roslan Rahman/AFP / Getty Images Singapore Changi Airport was crowned the world's best, marking the 13th time the hub has won the title from the rating service. Changi, which is one of the busiest passenger airports for Southeast Asia, features plenty of attractions including gardens, a hedge maze, a canopy bridge, a dinosaur theme park, slides, a climbing wall and bouncing net. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There is also thought-provoking art sprinkled throughout the terminals and there's Jewel, a massive entertainment and retail complex that also contains the Rain Vortex, the world's largest indoor waterfall. Changi received other awards from Skytrax, including the world's best airport dining, the best airport in Asia and the first world's best airport washrooms award. 'The diversity and expansive choice of dining outlets is also recognized with Changi Airport winning the award for the world's best airport dining,' Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said in a statement. 'With washrooms being a major driver of customer satisfaction during their airport experience, we congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on receiving the first-ever world's best airport washrooms award.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Hamad International Airport in Qatar, known for its architecture and artwork, came in second. It also won awards for best airport shipping and best airport in the Middle East. Airports in Asia took the third through sixth spots. Tokyo Haneda, which was also named the world's cleanest airport, ranked No. 3; Seoul's Incheon International, which also boasts the world's best airport staff, came in fourth; Japan's Narita International was fifth; and Hong Kong International sixth. Four European airports — Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Munich and Zurich — rounded out the Top 10. Read More This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 1. Singapore Changi Airport; 2. Hamad International Airport; 3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda); 4. Incheon International Airport; 5. Narita International Airport; 6. Hong Kong International Airport; 7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport; 8. Rome Fiumicino Airport; 9. Munich Airport; 10. Zurich Airport; 11. Dubai International Airport; 12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport; 13. Vancouver International Airport; 14. Istanbul Airport; 15. Vienna International Airport; 16. Melbourne Airport; 17. Chubu Centrair International Airport; 18. Copenhagen Airport; 19. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport; 20. Bahrain International Airport. Toronto Maple Leafs NHL World Editorials Toronto & GTA
New York Post
12-05-2025
- New York Post
World's top 20 airports for 2025 revealed — and the US had a dreadful showing
A new ranking has revealed the world's best airport — and a record has been broken. Singapore Changi Airport has been crowned the world's best airport for 2025, according to the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It's a record-busting 13th time the hub, one of the busiest passenger airports for Southeast Asia, has won the title from the rating service. 3 A bridge links to the Rain Vortex dome at the Jewel shopping mall at Singapore Changi Airport. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images The only airport in the Americas to make the world's best list was Vancouver International at No. 13. However, the Skytrax ranking for Best Airport in North America saw one of New York's take a top spot. LaGuardia Airport was named the best in the nifty 50 for domestic and short-haul international travel. 'A decade ago, the suggestion that LaGuardia Airport would one day be recognized on the world stage as the best regional airport in North America would have been laughable,' Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton admitted in a statement. 'But the Port Authority and our private partners have built what we promised – a world-class airport, with inspiring architecture, public art, iconic concessions and state-of-the-art technology that has propelled LaGuardia from worst to best in the nation in the eyes of the critics and passengers alike.' It's an improvement from last year's fourth-place spot for LGA. Plaisted added that 'LaGuardia Airport's evolution over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary.' Back to the list-topper, Singapore Changi Airport is known for its unrivaled passenger experience — but it's also a destination within itself. It features a 10-story shopping mall, multiple indoor gardens, a butterfly center, a spa, hotels, art exhibitions, a museum, a cinema, a dinosaur theme park and the Rain Vortex, which is the world's largest indoor waterfall at around 130 feet tall. Early check-in has even been introduced there, allowing flyers to drop their bags off up to 48 hours in advance so they can spend time at the much-appreciated stop as part of their vacation. Changi also received other awards from Skytrax, including the World's Best Airport Dining, the Best Airport in Asia, and its first-ever award for World's Best Airport Washrooms. 3 Tourists sleep on sofas in Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4. ruelleruelle/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 'The diversity and expansive choice of dining outlets is also recognized with Changi Airport winning the award for the World's Best Airport Dining,' Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said in a statement. 'With washrooms being a major driver of customer satisfaction during their airport experience, we congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on receiving the first ever World's Best Airport Washrooms award.' The world's second-best airport, according to the report, is Hamad International in Qatar, known for its artwork and architecture. It also won awards for Best Airport Shipping and Best Airport in the Middle East. Spots three through six were nabbed by Asian airports. Tokyo Haneda, also named the World's Cleanest Airport, came in third place. Fourth was Seoul's Incheon International, which was also awarded World's Best Airport Staff, followed by Narita International in fifth and Hong Kong International in sixth. 3 The Rain Vortex at Singapore Changi Airport is the world's largest indoor waterfall, at around 130 feet tall. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images World's top 20 airports for 2025 Singapore Changi Airport Hamad International Airport Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) Incheon International Airport Narita International Airport Hong Kong International Airport Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Rome Fiumicino Airport Munich Airport Zurich Airport Dubai International Airport Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Vancouver International Airport Istanbul Airport Vienna International Airport Melbourne Airport Chubu Centrair International Airport Copenhagen Airport Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Bahrain International Airport
Gulf Insider
13-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
How Dubai, Qatar Aviation Hubs Can Get Creative With Land-Side Developments
Airports have evolved far beyond mere transit hubs. As passenger expectations shift, driven by heightened demands for convenience, unique experiences, and enhanced connectivity, leading airports are reimagining their land-side areas as strategic differentiators. Singapore's Changi Airport – specifically its pioneering Jewel development – exemplifies the tremendous value airports can unlock by creatively utilizing land-side spaces. Opened in April 2019, Jewel Changi Airport has redefined global standards for airport land-side development. This ambitious $1.25 billion initiative encapsulates Singapore's aspiration to position Changi as not just a travel gateway but a vibrant urban hub. Occupying a 135,700 square-meter footprint, Jewel seamlessly integrates retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, and nature – housing approximately 280 retail and dining outlets alongside a 130-room YOTELAIR hotel. At its heart stands the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by the lush Shiseido Forest Valley, encompassing 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs from around the world. In 2019 alone, Jewel drew approximately 50 million visitors – a figure highlighting the profound appeal and strategic significance of thoughtfully planned airport land-side areas. Such innovative use of land enhances passenger experience, increases dwell time, and boosts non-aeronautical revenue streams significantly. Prior to the pandemic, commercial revenue at Changi constituted approximately 50% of total airport revenue – a remarkable benchmark reflecting the strategic importance of land-side developments like Jewel. Gulf's hub airports: opportunities and constraints In contrast, Gulf-based airports, although spectacular in air-side infrastructure and airline connectivity, historically have lagged in leveraging land-side opportunities. Consider Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH). Both represent highly successful aviation gateways, primarily owing to their extensive networks connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia, superb operational efficiency, and luxurious terminals. Yet, neither airport has fully capitalized on the potential of integrated land-side facilities comparable to Jewel Changi. Geographic constraints, climate extremes, and traditional urban planning have limited Gulf airports' ability to expand meaningful land-side experiences. Most activities remain confined within air-conditioned indoor spaces or restricted to airside lounges and terminals. This constrains opportunities for diverse leisure experiences and ancillary revenue generation from broader visitor segments. A strategic blueprint: Unlocking Gulf airports land-side potential To remain competitive over the next decade, Gulf hubs must revisit their approach to land-side development. The proven success of Jewel demonstrates clear pathways for innovation: Integrating leisure with commerce: Airports should curate compelling, culturally authentic entertainment offerings, fostering connections with urban communities and attracting non-traveling visitors. Retail, dining, and leisure partnerships can leverage the region's vibrant hospitality industry, creating year-round attraction points. Climate-adaptive infrastructure: Given the regional climate constraints, Gulf airports should adopt climate-responsive architecture, mirroring Jewel's strategic integration of indoor greenery and temperature-controlled public spaces. Embracing sustainability in design can simultaneously improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Diversified revenue streams: Gulf airports rely predominantly on aeronautical revenue. Strategic investments in landside attractions, hotels, events, and conventions will boost ancillary revenue, stabilizing airport finances against aviation volatility. Diversification of revenue, exemplified by Jewel's retail-driven earnings, will safeguard long-term financial resilience. The aviation landscape is evolving rapidly, and airports increasingly represent critical nodes in global urban infrastructure rather than mere gateways. As air travel rebounds and intensifies, travelers will prioritize seamless experiences, diverse entertainment, and convenience as much as flight connectivity and terminal efficiency. Singapore Changi's Jewel showcases the tremendous advantage airports gain from innovative land-side investments. For Gulf hubs, emulating aspects of this pioneering approach – while tailoring to local contexts – will prove indispensable in cementing their status as global aviation leaders. Failure to capitalize on these land-side opportunities risks ceding competitive advantage to visionary airports elsewhere. Indeed, the future of airports depends on seeing beyond runways and terminals. It lies in reimagining the total passenger journey, from curb side to aircraft door – and the airports in the Gulf must rise swiftly to meet this emerging reality.
Egypt Independent
10-04-2025
- Egypt Independent
This is the world's best airport for 2025, according to Skytrax
CNN — Killing time in the airport is ordinarily such a drag that there's a whole TikTok trend devoted to people making it through the terminal in as little time as possible. Not so in Singapore Changi, which has just been crowned the World's Best Airport for the 13th time by air transport rating organization Skytrax. Changi is a destination in itself, where early check-in has been introduced to allow passengers to drop their bags off up to 48 hours before their flight so they can make their time at the airport part of the vacation. Most will hit the mammoth 10-story Jewel shopping mall, with its footfall of 80 million people in 2024. Then there are the multiple indoor gardens (including a butterfly center) and the 40-meter high Rain Vortex, the world's largest indoor waterfall (around 130 feet). There are spas, hotels, art exhibitions, a museum, a cinema; there's even a dinosaur theme park. Skytrax has also recognized the airport as a gastronomic wonderland. It scooped up the award for World's Best Airport Dining, as well as those for World's Best Airport Washrooms and Best Airport in Asia, at the World Airport Awards held in Madrid on April 9. It's unlikely to be the last accolade earned by this exemplary airport. Changi is investing more than $2 billion in the next six years on the improvement of services and facilities, CNN Business reported last month. It's also set to get even bigger. Work is underway on a fifth terminal to add to the existing four, which will open in the 2030s. The world's no. 2 airport, according to Skytrax's global survey of customers at 565 airports around the world, is the artwork-filled and architecturally splendid Hamad International in Qatar, easily one of the most luxurious aviation hubs in the world. It also won awards for Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport in the Middle East. Asian airports nabbed spots three through six on the list, proving once again that the region is leaving North America and Europe to play catch-up when it comes to air transport excellence. Tokyo Haneda (also named the World's Cleanest Airport) was at No. 3, followed by Seoul's Incheon International (also awarded World's Best Airport Staff), Narita International (serving Tokyo) and Hong Kong International. Nine European airports made it into the top 20. At No. 7, Paris Charles de Gaulle was named Best Airport in Europe for the third year in a row. Rome Fiumicino, having a busy year thanks to the Catholic Church's Jubilee celebrations, was at No. 8. Munich, Zurich and Helsinki-Vantaa were in 9th, 10th and 12th place respectively and Istanbul Airport, on the European side of the continent-straddling city, was at No. 14. Istanbul was also named the World's Most Family-Friendly Airport. Vienna (No. 15), Copenhagen (No. 18) and Amsterdam Schiphol (No. 19) all made the cut, but London Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe, didn't pick up any gongs. The only airport from the Americas to make the list was Vancouver International at No. 13. Cape Town Airport didn't make the top 20, but was named Best Airport in Africa and Best Airport Staff Service in Africa. The rest of the top 20 was made up of Dubai International at No. 11, Melbourne at No. 16, Japan's Chubu Centrair at No. 17 (also named World's Best Regional Airport) and Bahrain international at No.20. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport won the award for World's Best Airport Baggage Delivery, Copenhagen was acclaimed for the World's Best Airport Security Processing and Hong Kong International scooped the gong for World's Best Airport Immigration. The world's top airports for 2025 1. Singapore Changi Airport 2. Hamad International Airport 3. Tokyo Haneda Airport 4. Incheon International Airport 5. Narita International Airport 6. Hong Kong International Airport 7. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 8. Rome Fiumicino Airport 9. Munich Airport 10. Zurich Airport 11. Dubai International Airport 12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 13. Vancouver International Airport 14. Istanbul Airport 15. Vienna International Airport 16. Melbourne Airport 17. Chubu Centrair International Airport 18. Copenhagen Airport 19. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport 20. Bahrain International Airport
