Skytrax holds the annual World Airport Awards which recognizes excellence in the world airline and airport industry. They gather feedback from international travelers about various aspects of air travel. They recently released the list of best airports in 2018.
1. Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN)
Singapore’s Changi Airport has taken the top spot for 6 years in a row. It is no wonder as the airport is a destination in itself. Sitting on a 5-square mile site (1,295 hectares), Changi has expanded over the years since it opened in 1981. Starting with one terminal, it now has 4 airport terminals. It also boasts of having many passenger lounges, movie theaters, entertainment centers, clinics, pharmacies, convenience stores, kiddie play areas and activity centers, transit hotels, shower and spa facilities, swimming pool and jacuzzi, and gardens. Not to mention their shopping stores and restaurants! You don’t even have to leave the airport to enjoy these facilities.
2. South Korea’s Incheon International Airport (ICN)
From being number 3 the previous year, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport comes in at second place this year. It also bagged the World’s Best Airport Staff Award at the same time. Since it opened its doors in 2001, it has continuously improved itself. Aside from its numerous dining and shopping hubs, it houses capsule and transit hotels, movie theaters, passenger lounges, kiddie zones, pharmacies, spas, rest areas, banks, laundry services, and a hospital. They also keep passengers entertained by holding cultural performances and parades inside the airport. They even have a museum, a media wall, and observation deck.
3. Japan’s Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND)
Dropping to number 3 from second place the previous year is Japan’s Tokyo Haneda International Airport. HND also won the World’s Cleanest Airport and and World’s Best Domestic Airport in 2018. HND sits on 1,214 hectares of land and has 3 main terminals. Not to be outdone by the first 2, it boasts of excellent shopping experience and service efficiency. Its facilities include capsule and transit hotels, passenger lounges, pharmacies, medical clinics, spas, a conference room, a media wall, and a pet hotel, aside from its over 30 shopping stores and restaurants in the airport.
