World's Best

The 10 Best International Airports

These are the best international airports in the world, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards.

By

Published on July 12, 2022

Air tower control and Jewel building of the Singapore Changi Airport — Photo: Courtesy of Changi Airport Group

Travel trickled back in 2021 after a very difficult pandemic year, and travelers began booking once-in-a-lifetime international trips en masse to make up for lost time. More than ever, they're placing added value on the time spent in transit, especially at airports. This year, Travel + Leisure readers have given some of the highest ratings to international hubs, with many of them considering the airport experience an integral part of their travels.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated airports on access, check-in/security, restaurants/bars, shopping, and design.

Last year, East Asian airports dominated, taking six of the 10 places on this list. But this year, two of Japan's have fallen off the list — not altogether unsurprising, as travel to Japan was inaccessible to Americans in 2020 and 2021. Taking the place of those two Japan airports are Abu Dhabi International Airport (No. 8) and Copenhagen Airport (No. 10), both of which were last seen on this list in 2020.

Still, Asian and Middle Eastern airports are clear favorites for T+L frequent fliers. There was a bit of shuffling among some of our repeat award winners in these regions. Hamad International in Doha, Qatar, jumped up two spots to No. 3, while Hong Kong International Airport moved up a rung to No. 6. South Korea's Incheon International Airport, however, fell two spots to No. 5, while Haneda (Tokyo International Airport) fell three to No. 9. (Nonetheless, one fan of Haneda encouraged fellow travelers to "please spare a few hours there.")

Back after its WBA debut last year is Istanbul Airport (No. 2), which only began operations in 2018. One reader said the new Istanbul Airport feels like a destination in itself: "You don't feel like you are flying somewhere." And Zurich Airport, a longtime staple of the best international airports list, nabbed the No. 7 spot this year.

Ultimately, our long-reigning champion has retained its top ranking: Singapore Changi Airport. Read on to find out why Changi has stayed No. 1 and see which other international airports made the list.

1. Singapore Changi Airport

Travelers in the butterfly garden at Singapore Changi Airport — Courtesy of Changi Airport Group

Since the World's Best Awards expanded to include airports in 2013, one airport has remained in the top international spot year after year: Changi. Not only do travelers laud the airport for its easy-to-navigate layout, kind service, and overall cleanliness, but they also love Changi for its entertainment value. There is, of course, world-class dining and shopping in the terminals, but that's hardly the main event. Attractions include extraordinary plant, art, and butterfly gardens; a rooftop swimming pool; and a 24-hour cinema. (Though keep in mind that not all attractions are open because of pandemic restrictions.) "My family spent 3 hours there and still didn't want to leave," one voter said. Changi is a destination unto itself, not just a pass-through space on your travels. It's even home to the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, which is surrounded by lush gardens.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.80

More information: changiairport.com