What makes an airport great? There’s more to it than scheduled service from pleasant surroundings. To be considered among the best, it all comes down to the passenger experience. While clear signage and comfortable waiting areas with some decent food and beverage options are what’s to be expected, great airports offer outstanding design and amenities that take the passenger experience to the next level. Most road warriors and AvGeeks spend a great deal of time in airports. If you’re going to be there for hours before flight time or on an extended layover, you might as well choose one with stunning design that’s going to pamper you with incredible amenities and entertain you as you while away your time. With that in mind, planning your next international trip just got easier as we take a look at a few of what I consider to be the best airports in the world.
Changi Airport in Singapore
Changi Airport is the major international airport serving Singapore and one of the largest transportation hubs in all of Asia. As a vital international epicenter for business and a common stopover point between Asia and Australasia, the airport can be extremely busy with both business and leisure travelers. Despite its size and high volume of passenger traffic, Changi has repeatedly been named the best airport in the world, and I would agree. There’s no shortage of things to do here while waiting for a flight. The airport features a movie theater, three gardens (including a butterfly garden), a wild corkscrew slide and an entertainment deck with gaming consoles. The best part is these amenities are free for ticketed passengers. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options, and, if you’re on a layover for six or more hours, you can join a quick city tour as well, adding another destination to your list. One of the best things you can do to relieve travel stress is head to the airport spa called Be Relax. This location also offers showers for guests so that you can freshen up and energize yourself before continuing your journey. You can also watch the planes soar overhead while taking a refreshing dip in the pool at the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel.
Incheon Airport in Seoul
South Korea’s Incheon International is a destination unto itself. Passengers can enjoy cultural performances hosted by the Korean Culture Experience Center, located right inside the airport. Travelers can also pass the time at a golf course, spa or sauna, multiple gardens, or even a casino. It’s no secret that Seoul is a shopping mecca for many tourists looking to pick up all the latest fashion trends and raved-about beauty products. This also rings true at Incheon which boasts countless shops that teem with eager shoppers every hour of every day. What really sets this airport apart though are the countless entertainment options it offers. You can get a feel for Korean culture (at no cost! at the traditional culture experience zones where you can try your hand at making Korean crafts or watch a traditional performance. Travelers will also appreciate the Ice Forest, an artificial ice-skating rink, and movie theater, both located in the Transportation Center of Terminal 1. For long layovers, it’s easy to get out and explore the sites through a variety of transit tours, many of which are free. Based on your preferences, two-hour tours can be arranged either to the nearby Paradise City Casino, BMW Driving Center, or the tourist attractions of Incheon City.
Franz Josef Strauss Airport in Munich
What most travelers really enjoy about the Munich Airport in Germany is the beer garden. Surrounded by chestnut trees, passengers can sip on brew made in the onsite brewery. Prefer something else? There are no less than 50 other restaurants and bars in which to spend a layover. Also, special events are organized throughout the year for holidays like Oktoberfest and Christmas, with the latter bringing an ice skating rink and even a Christmas Market to this airport. And the shops. They’re in a league of their own with about 150 of them here! You’ll find everything from huge Duty-Free areas, souvenir shops, and international fashion boutiques. German brand Lloyd sells leather goods and shoes, and the soccer fan in your life will love some gear from the FC Bayern Munich Fan Shop. Even if you’re not a car geek, you’ll appreciate myAudi Sphere, a vast shop/interactive concept store for the well-known car brand. The good news for travelers with at least five hours between flights is that it’s easy to get out and explore Munich or some nearby Bavarian towns. Getting to the city center is easy. The best option is the train for its speed and because it never gets stuck in traffic. And, unlike most airports post 9/11, if you’ve got luggage, you can even store it at the airport before heading out.
Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong
One of the busiest and most popular airports in the world, Hong Kong International Airport has grown to meet the needs of global travelers. It’s a hugely important hub for the region, connecting much of Asia with the rest of the world and is home to one of the world's largest terminal buildings. Hong Kong is a food-lover’s paradise, so it makes sense that its airport acts as a microcosm of the city's gastronomic landscape. Most airports settle for ubiquitous fast food chains, but Chek Lap Kok goes a step beyond, casting a spotlight on local culinary heroes, including many recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide. If you’re traveling with little ones, check out the Dream Come True Education Park in Terminal 2. You’ll also find Hong Kong Disneyland Stores in both terminals where you can purchase a variety of theme park merchandise. Want to visit Hong Kong Disneyland in person on your layover? Take a bus directly form the airport and arrive in only 21 minutes. Hong Kong International Airport also offers discount tickets for same day return on the Airport Express Train into town if you want to explore the city a little on your layover. Or, you can just relax at the airport and catch a movie at the IMAX theater in Terminal 2.
Hamad International in Qatar
Formerly known as the New Doha International Airport, Hamad International is the main airport for the City of Doha, the capital of Qatar and is the operating base for the national carrier, Qatar Airways. While not quite ten years old, Hamad has seen steady increases in passenger traffic and has been ranked as the second best airport in the world, along with winning titles for “World’s Best Airport Shopping” and “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the ninth year in a row at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2023. The airport features a swimming pool where you can go for a dip before you catch your flight, or get in a workout at the gym, play a game of squash or relax in a hydro-bath tub. If you have little ones, there's a special kids’ room with play areas, refreshments and video games. Don’t miss the various art displays throughout the terminals. “Lamp Bear” from Swiss artist Urs Fischer is the most recognizable, and has become the unofficial mascot of the airport.
Dubai International in the United Arab Emirates
Catering to more than 70 million international passengers and connecting 260 destinations in the East and West, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is undoubtedly one of the world’s most important transport hubs. It’s also one of the best airports for a layover, with the sheer number of shops, restaurants, and amenities, which include spas, zen gardens, and sleeping pods - all within the airport itself. Shopping is a serious activity here, with endless Duty-Free areas and international boutiques. A unique shopping opportunity is buying raffle tickets. The airport regularly raffles off cash, gold, and even luxury cars! DXB is located just a few minutes from the Dubai city center. With easy transit options and a layover of at least 5 hours, checking out the city may be the best way to pass the time until your next flight. Once in the city centre, there’s plenty to explore. Dubai offers many attractions with descriptions like “the largest of its kind” or “first in the world.” A visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, takes about 1 hour. The Dubai Mall is outrageous and impressive, with over 1,000 shops, skating rinks, interactive arcades, play areas, and countless restaurants. They've even got a full-fledged indoor ski resort! With a little more time, head for Old Dubai to see traditional souks and marketplaces that sell a bevy of local goods.
No matter when you travel internationally or what your purpose is, from business to leisure and everything in between, enjoying the experience while staying relaxed and rejuvenated is paramount. These airports should help you do just that.
Until next time…safe travels.
OMG, a reason to travel to the far east. to visit the airports! I'll have to check out Munich on one of our next trips to Europe - a little closer! :-)
Having my flight cancelled in any of these airports might be a blessing as there is so much to occupy the time!
Loved the article ❤️