EUROPE. Zürich Airport has been named as Europe’s most ‘passenger-friendly’ airport by the Consumer Choice Center in its second annual European Airport Index. The rankings were based on a mix of factors ranging from location and transportation options to in-airport experience and flight network access.
Europe’s 30 largest airports (by passenger volume) were ranked, with Düsseldorf Airport achieving second place. The top five was rounded out by Copenhagen, Manchester and Brussels airports.
Measures include available space per passenger, to allow for social distancing in the COVID-19 era, and extra points were awarded for the availability of coronavirus testing facilities.
The Consumer Choice Center said it awarded high points to the airports that offered “great destinations around the world”, and also for the mix of shops, restaurants, and conveniences.
Other factors used to create the rankings included direct jet bridges (as opposed to bus boarding), proximity to the host airport’s city centre, the number of lounges, low security waiting times, and on-time performance by airlines.
Bonus points were awarded to airports with pre-clearance for US flights and the ability to broadcast security wait times.
Consumer Choice Center Managing Director Fred Roeder said: “This year has been one of the most challenging for the global travel industry. Many airports were closed for weeks or even months. While travel slowly recovers we want to inform consumers which airports are the most convenient to travel from and to in Europe.
“Airports with more space per passenger rank higher in our analysis. This is helpful to know for travellers, who try to maintain distance from others. If you have to travel this summer, you might want to consider starting or ending your journey at well-designed airports such as Zürich, Düsseldorf, or Copenhagen.”
The full report, including more details on the criteria for the rankings, is available here.
