Top 10 Best Airports in the World
For any traveler in the world, harsh words from
airport staffs, long lines at security checkpoints and overpriced fast food,
the idea that any airport could be viewed as “best” may seem to be laughable. Travelers lucky enough to
have flights at any of the airports listed below, the word “best” is totally
appropriate. These outstanding airports received the most votes from more than
twelve million travelers who participated in a survey administered by Skytrax.
1.Singapore
Changi Airport, Singapore
In the race for winning the top overall award,
Singapore Changi Airport, which served more than fifty million passengers in a
year, was named Best Airport in Asia and Best Airport for Leisure Amenities.
2.
Incheon International Airport, Seoul, South Korea
Last year’s winner Incheon International
Airport slipped to the second place. Still, the main airport serving the
South Korean capital, also received the Best Airport Staff Service – Asia and
Best International Transfer Airport awards for 2013.
3.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands
For the first time since the Skytrax awards were
issued, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands broke into the
top three finishers, largely due to its highly-regarded and efficient
self-service transfer process.
4.
Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong (China)
A third-place finisher for 2012, Hong Kong
International Airport slipped to fourth place in the overall voting for
the 2013 World’s Best Airport. Nonetheless, Hong Kong International Airport
remained a favorite among the voters.
5.
Beijing Capital International Airport, China
Beijing Capital International Airport only
began operations in 2008 and has added passenger traffic every year.
Nonetheless, the airport maintained its fifth place overall position from 2012
to 2013, and was also named the best airport in China.
6.
Munich Airport, Germany
For travelers who hate the dried out microwave fare
many airports offer, Munich Airport in Germany features food offerings
that are a treat to the palate. In addition to scoring sixth in overall voting
for 2013, Munich Airport also earned the award for Best Airport in Central
Europe and Best Airport Dining Experience.
7.
Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Zurich Airport also earned the 2013 award for Best
Airport Staff Service – Europe. If you have ever experienced lost luggage, you
will appreciate the fact that Zurich Airport in Switzerland is a
perennial winner in the category of Best Airport Baggage Delivery, in addition
to scoring seventh place in overall voting in 2013.
8.
Vancouver International Airport, British Columbia, Canada
Moving up from its overall ninth place finish in
2012, Vancouver International Airport retained the award for Best Airport in
North America. Finishing in eighth place overall in the 2013
voting, Vancouver International Airport is the only North American
representative on the list of World’s Best Airports.
9.
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), Japan
Haneda took first place in the category of
Best Domestic Airport, a new category for 2012, and also snagged the award for
Best Airport Terminal Cleanliness. A new entry in the top ten list of World’s
Best Airports, Tokyo International Airport moved up five places from
its 2012 position.
10.
London Heathrow Airport, England (Great Britain)
The entire airport has undergone an overhaul, with
its efforts rewarded by Heathrow finally earning 4-Star Airport status in 2012.
Rounding the top ten is London Heathrow Airport, earning its place on the list
largely due to its highly-regarded Terminal 5, which opened in 2008. T5, as it
is commonly known, also earned the award for Best Airport Terminal for the
third year in a row.
