NETHERLANDS. Skytrax has revealed its list of the top-ranked airports in the world for 2023, as voted by consumers, with Singapore Changi regaining the title of Best Airport in the World.
Hamad International, previously number one, was in second place. It was also named Best Airport in the Middle East for the ninth time in a row. Hamad International won the World’s Best Airport Shopping award for the impressive Qatar Duty Free offer.
The consumer-voted awards were presented during the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam on 15 March.
Changi also won the awards for World’s Best Airport Dining, World’s Best Airport Leisure Amenities, and was ranked first in the 30 to 40 million passenger categories.
The Singapore travel hub continues to expand its retail attractions, including the newly opened live music bar, Overflow, located at Hub & Spoke at the southern end of Terminal 2.
Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted commented: “We congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on being named the World’s Best Airport for 2023. After being severely hit during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is pleasing to note that passenger numbers at Changi Airport are now at about 80% of pre-Covid-19 levels, and expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. This recognition for Changi Airport is from the airport customers and serves to underline the airport’s popularity with international air travellers. Winning this award as the World’s Best Airport is a very clear recognition of the team effort amongst all staff at the airport who contribute to Changi Airport’s success.”
Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang said: “Changi Airport is honoured to be named World’s Best Airport for the 12th time. This recognition is great encouragement to our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of Covid-19 over the past two years. We thank them for their dedication to serve Changi’s passengers and the perseverance to keep Singapore connected to the world.”
“To our passengers, we are deeply grateful for your vote of confidence. Your continued support encourages us to keep pursuing service excellence as we expand our offerings to redefine the Changi Experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Changi Airport as we rediscover the magic of travel again.”
Hamad International Airport, which won the top award in 2021 and 2022, has continued investing in its facilities since it opened in 2014. Its recent major expansion included attractions such as the indoor tropical garden known as the Orchard, along with new lounges, and an impressive array of retail outlets.
It also features multiple retail and dining options, including a Fendi Boutique with the first Fendi Café in an airport, a Ralph Coffee Shop, an Oreo Café as well as a Harrods Tea Room.
In 2022, the airport’s passenger traffic surged +101.9% year-on-year to over 35 million passengers.
Hamad International Airport was also Official Airport Partner of the successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In 2023, the airport proceeded into phase B of its expansion project, with plans to increase capacity to over 70 million passengers amid the construction of two new concourses. As part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, it also plans to enhance its sustainability efforts, by investing in new technologies.
Hamad International Airport CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are pleased to receive these accolades by the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards and to be voted as one of the world’s leading airports. This is a positive reflection to our robust airport operations and team’s dedication. Besides, it is an endorsement to our investment in ensuring our passengers enjoy an exceptional travel experience and in providing our partners with the best facility and service. We stay committed to our growth plans and maintaining high standards in the airport industry.”
Plaisted also commented: “We congratulate Hamad International Airport for their success in winning these important customer awards for 2023. The past few years have been extremely challenging for airports worldwide, and as we move on from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is pleasing to see passenger numbers returning to normal, and for Hamad International Airport to be recognised as a leading airport by their customers.”
Among other major Skytrax airport awards announced on 15 March, Tokyo Haneda Airport was also named third best in the world, as well as the World’s Cleanest Airport, the World’s Best Domestic Airport and the Best Airport PRM & Accessible Facilities.
Clinching the fourth spot in the world rankings was Incheon Airport, which also won other awards including the World’s Best Airport Staff Service, the World’s Best Airport Immigration Processing, Best Airport Staff in Asia, and for the 10 to 20 million passenger category.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport was named the World’s Most Improved Airport in 2023.
Also in China, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport was awarded the Best Airport in China, with Haikou Meilan International Airport winning awards for China Best Regional Airport in China and the Best Airport Staff in China.
Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya was awarded the World’s Best Regional Airport, with Centrair’s Terminal 2 receiving the Best Low-Cost Airline Terminal award.
Besides being named the fifth Best Airport in the World, Paris Charles de Gaulle was also named the Best Airport in Europe.
The sixth Best Airport in the World, Istanbul Airport meanwhile took the prize for World’s Best Airport in the 60+ million passenger category and for the Most Family Friendly Airport and the Best Airport in Southern Europe.
Helsinki Airport again won the award for Best Airport in Northern Europe .
For 2023, Skytrax has also introduced the Art in the Airport category, which was won by Houston Airport System in recognition of the art standards across their two airports, William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport. The results were based on the Skytrax judging panel and not customer survey results.
Operating since 2000, the Skytrax accolades represent a “quality benchmark for the world airport industry,” assessing customer service and facilities including check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security, immigration, and departure across these airports.
