Skytrax Crowns the Singaporean Hub for the 13th Time
Singapore Changi Airport has once again secured the title of World’s Best Airport, according to Skytrax’s global survey of travelers. This marks the 13th time the airport has earned the top honor at the World Airport Awards, held this year in Madrid.
More than just a place to catch flights, Changi has become a destination in itself. The airport allows passengers to check in up to 48 hours before departure, encouraging them to enjoy the facilities, which include a 10-story shopping center, indoor gardens, and an immersive art experience.
The centerpiece of the airport remains the Rain Vortex, a 40-meter indoor waterfall that draws millions of visitors each year. In 2024, the Jewel complex recorded foot traffic of over 80 million people.
At the awards ceremony, Changi also earned recognition for World’s Best Airport Dining, World’s Best Airport Washrooms, and Best Airport in Asia. With more than $2 billion in planned improvements and a fifth terminal under construction, the airport is expected to retain its leadership position for years to come.
Top Global Rankings Highlight Asian Dominance
Skytrax’s ranking is based on feedback from travelers across 565 airports worldwide. Following Singapore Changi, the second best airport in the world is Hamad International Airport in Qatar, which also won Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport in the Middle East. In 2024, Hamad served a record 52.7 million passengers.
Tokyo Haneda Airport claimed third place and was also named the World’s Cleanest Airport, highlighting Japan’s global reputation for hospitality and hygiene. Incheon International Airport in South Korea followed in fourth, earning the award for World’s Best Airport Staff.
The fifth spot went to Narita International Airport, Tokyo’s other major gateway, while Hong Kong International Airport ranked sixth and was recognized for World’s Best Airport Immigration.
These results solidify Asia’s dominance in the sector. With four of the top six spots, the region continues to set global standards in airport design, customer service, and innovation.
European and North American Airports Trail Behind
In Europe, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport ranked seventh and was named Best Airport in Europe for the third consecutive year. Rome Fiumicino Airport came in eighth, followed by Munich Airport, which was recognized as Best Airport in Central Europe. Zurich Airport, rounding out the top ten, also received the award for Cleanest Airport in Europe.
Vancouver International Airport was the only airport in the Americas to make the top 20, landing at No. 13. In contrast, London Heathrow Airport, the continent’s busiest hub, failed to win any awards this year.
Istanbul Airport, located on the European side of the Turkish metropolis, was ranked 14th and took home the title of World’s Most Family-Friendly Airport. Meanwhile, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport won the award for World’s Best Airport Baggage Delivery, and Copenhagen Airport was recognized for World’s Best Airport Security Processing.
Massive Investments Signal Future Competition
The Skytrax rankings reflect not only past performance but ongoing efforts by airports to improve. Singapore Changi has announced a six-year plan to invest more than $2 billion into upgrades and passenger services. Its fifth terminal is currently in development and expected to open in the 2030s, adding capacity and elevating the experience even further.
Airports across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are following suit, with expansions and new technology integrations underway. From AI assistants to autonomous baggage systems, airport innovation is rapidly transforming travel.
The 2025 rankings show a widening gap between elite global hubs and their regional competitors, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment, customer service, and integrated design in staying competitive in the aviation industry.