7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore’s Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings

Post originally Published April 24, 2024 || Last Updated April 24, 2024

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7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Hamad International Airport: Qatar's Crown Jewel


Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar has cemented its position as the world's premier airport, winning the top spot in the prestigious 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards for the third consecutive year. The airport's exceptional facilities, including its world-class shopping options, have earned it accolades as the "Best Airport Shopping" and the "Best Airport in the Middle East" for an impressive tenth year in a row. While Singapore's Changi Airport has traditionally held the title of the world's best, it has been dethroned, now ranking second behind Hamad International Airport.

Hamad International Airport features the world's largest passenger terminal, spanning over 600,000 square meters, providing ample space for its growing passenger volume.

The airport's unique architectural design, inspired by desert sand dunes, incorporates innovative energy-efficient technologies, making it one of the most sustainable airports globally.

Hamad International Airport boasts the longest Concourse in the world, measuring an impressive 5 kilometers, allowing for efficient passenger flow and easier accessibility to gates.

The airport's state-of-the-art baggage handling system can process up to 40,000 bags per hour, ensuring seamless and swift luggage delivery for passengers.

Hamad International Airport houses the largest art collection of any airport globally, with over 20 commissioned art installations showcasing Qatar's rich cultural heritage.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Hamad International Airport: Qatar's Crown Jewel
  2. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Seoul's Incheon Airport: A Rising Star
  3. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Tokyo's Haneda Airport: Efficiency Meets Elegance
  4. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Zurich Airport: Switzerland's Gateway to Excellence
  5. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Helsinki Airport: Nordic Minimalism at its Finest
  6. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Munich Airport: Bavarian Hospitality Takes Flight
  7. 7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Vancouver International Airport: Canada's Pacific Gem

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Seoul's Incheon Airport: A Rising Star


Seoul's Incheon Airport has emerged as a rising star, claiming the third position in the 2024 Skytrax rankings. The airport has been recognized as the most family-friendly in the world, offering impressive amenities like museums, technical displays, movie theaters, and even an 18-hole putting green. Incheon Airport's ongoing expansion projects, including the completion of the fourth phase, have further enhanced its capacity and service, solidifying its status as a unique and exceptional aviation hub.

Incheon Airport's Terminal 2, which opened in 2023, has significantly reduced passenger congestion in Terminal 1, enabling a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for visitors.

The airport's impressive array of amenities, including museums, technical displays, movie theaters, inline skating rinks, pristine gardens, and an 18-hole putting green, have transformed it into a unique family-friendly aviation hub.

Incheon Airport's remarkable rise to the 3rd position in the 2024 Skytrax rankings, up from its previous standing, showcases its commitment to continually improving its facilities, services, and overall passenger experience.

The airport's designation as the "Best Airport in Asia Pacific" in the 2024 Skytrax rankings is a testament to its successful recovery from pandemic-induced challenges and its ongoing infrastructure development efforts.

Incheon Airport's surpassing of Singapore's Changi Airport, a long-standing industry leader, in the 2024 Skytrax rankings reflects its growing stature as a significant aviation hub in the region.

The airport's seamless passenger experience, comprehensive amenities, and efficient operations have contributed to its excellent 7th-place ranking among the world's best airports, cementing its status as a rising star in the aviation industry.

Incheon Airport's continuous infrastructure expansion, including the completion of its fourth phase, has further enhanced its capacity and service capabilities, positioning it as a premier destination for travelers in the Asia-Pacific region.

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Tokyo's Haneda Airport: Efficiency Meets Elegance


7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore’s Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings

Tokyo's Haneda Airport has solidified its reputation as a global leader, consistently earning top accolades from the prestigious Skytrax rankings. In the 2024 edition, Haneda not only maintained its status as the world's cleanest airport but also secured the coveted 5-Star Airport quality rating for the ninth consecutive year, showcasing its exceptional service standards and operational efficiency. Notably, Haneda has outperformed the long-standing industry leader, Singapore's Changi Airport, further cementing its position as a premier aviation hub that seamlessly blends elegance and functionality.

Haneda Airport has been named the World's Cleanest Airport for the second consecutive year in 2024, outperforming even Singapore Changi Airport, a long-standing industry leader.

Haneda Airport has received the prestigious 5-Star Airport quality rating from Skytrax for the ninth consecutive year, recognizing its exceptional product and service standards.

In 2018, Haneda Airport achieved remarkable punctuality, with 856 flights arriving on time, cementing its status as the most punctual mega airport in the world.

Haneda Airport boasts breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, providing passengers with a stunning natural backdrop during their travels.

The airport's impeccable sanitation and attention to cleanliness have been instrumental in its rise to the top of the Skytrax rankings, demonstrating a relentless commitment to passenger comfort and safety.

In the 2024 Skytrax rankings, seven of the top 20 airports are located in Asia, with both Haneda and Narita airports from Tokyo ranking in the top

Haneda Airport's focus on process simplicity has contributed to its overall efficiency, making it a standout amongst the world's best airports in terms of operational excellence.

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Zurich Airport: Switzerland's Gateway to Excellence


Zurich Airport has consistently been recognized as one of the top-performing airports in Europe, winning numerous awards for its exceptional service and facilities. In the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, Zurich Airport was ranked among the best airports globally, outperforming even the renowned Changi Airport in Singapore in several categories. The Swiss airport's commitment to passenger experience, efficient operations, and exceptional service has solidified its reputation as a gateway to excellence.

Zurich Airport has been named the best airport in Europe in the 25-40 million passengers category for the seventh time, winning the prestigious Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award in

The airport has been honored as Europe's leading airport, ranking among the top 10 best airports in the world, and has earned the title of the World's Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards for 21 consecutive years.

With 229 million passengers using the airport in the past year, Zurich Airport is the region's most important transport hub and one of the world's busiest airports.

The airport offers a wide range of facilities, including 270 companies operating within the airport, providing 24,000 people with employment opportunities.

Zurich Airport has been certified as a 4-Star Airport by Skytrax, recognized for its excellent leisure facilities and convenient amenities, particularly for families.

Contrary to its reputation for high prices, Zurich Airport has been found to offer some of the most competitive airfares in Europe, thanks to its strategic location and strong competition among airlines.

The airport's state-of-the-art baggage handling system can process up to 22,000 bags per hour, ensuring efficient and reliable luggage management for passengers.

Zurich Airport's unique design, featuring a centralized terminal with a compact layout, allows for seamless passenger flow and minimal walking distances, making it one of the most user-friendly airports in the world.

The airport's commitment to innovation is evident in its use of cutting-edge technologies, such as biometric boarding gates and automated immigration control systems, which have significantly reduced waiting times for passengers.

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Helsinki Airport: Nordic Minimalism at its Finest


7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore’s Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings

Helsinki Airport's minimalist Nordic design has earned it international recognition, with the airport's focus on eco-friendliness and local cultural heritage praised by the Prix Versailles 2023 judges. Despite facing some congestion issues, the airport has been named the best in Northern Europe and received a 4-Star rating from Skytrax, highlighting its impressive facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, dining options, and staff service. As the busiest airport in the Nordic region for Asian passengers and flights, Helsinki Airport is undertaking expansion plans to accommodate its growing passenger numbers and larger aircraft.

Helsinki Airport's Nordic minimalist design has earned international recognition, with the airport receiving the prestigious Prix Versailles 2023 award for its architecture and design that beautifully integrate local natural and cultural heritage.

In a global customer satisfaction survey by Skytrax, Helsinki Airport was named the best airport in Northern Europe, with passengers praising its world-class facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, dining options, and staff service.

Despite ongoing expansion and improvement works to address congestion in the check-in and arrival areas, Helsinki Airport has maintained a 4-Star rating from Skytrax, reflecting its commitment to delivering a superior passenger experience.

The airport has witnessed a significant increase in passenger numbers, handling 15 million passengers in 2023 and cementing its position as the busiest in the Nordic region, particularly for Asian travelers and flights to Asia.

Helsinki Airport's expansion plan, including the recent inauguration of new piers and walkable walkways, demonstrates its proactive approach to enhancing passenger comfort and accommodating larger aircraft, ensuring it remains a premier transportation hub in the region.

The airport's dedication to ecofriendliness and its harmonious integration with the local natural and cultural landscape have been widely praised, setting a benchmark for sustainable airport design in the Nordic countries.

Helsinki Airport's focus on offering a seamless and enjoyable passenger experience, coupled with its striking architectural design, has solidified its reputation as a shining example of Nordic minimalism at its finest.

Travelers passing through Helsinki Airport can expect a refined and efficient journey, with the airport's commitment to innovation and passenger-centric amenities ensuring a memorable transit experience.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Helsinki Airport has maintained its position as a leading international hub, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Nordic aviation industry.

The airport's recognition as the best in Northern Europe by Skytrax underscores its dedication to continuously improving its services and infrastructure, cementing its status as a must-visit destination for discerning travelers.

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Munich Airport: Bavarian Hospitality Takes Flight


Munich Airport has solidified its reputation as a premier travel hub, consistently delivering exceptional service and amenities to passengers. The airport's commitment to Bavarian hospitality has been recognized by industry accolades, including its 5-Star Airport rating from Skytrax, making it the only European airport to hold this prestigious designation. Passengers have praised the airport's modern ambiance, high level of comfort, and the exceptional service provided by its staff, contributing to its popularity and position as one of the top airports in the world.

Munich Airport is the only airport in Europe to have achieved a coveted 5-Star Airport rating from Skytrax, a leading aviation industry institute, multiple times, including in 2015, 2017, and

In 2022, Munich Airport was named the "Best Airport in Central Europe" at the prestigious World Airport Awards, recognizing its exceptional service quality, modern ambiance, and high level of passenger comfort.

Munich Airport's Terminal 2 has been voted the world's best terminal in 2017, a testament to its exceptional design and passenger amenities.

The airport features a unique on-site brewery, Airbru, which serves local Bavarian food and drinks, providing travelers with a true taste of the region's cultural heritage.

Munich Airport's cleaning and hygiene standards have been consistently praised, with the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards commending the airport's exceptional cleanliness.

The airport's employees are recognized for their exceptional service and hospitality, contributing to the overall passenger experience that has made Munich Airport a standout in the industry.

Munich Airport's commitment to providing a stress-free travel experience has been a key factor in its popularity among passengers, cementing its position as one of the top airports in the world.

Munich Airport's expansive shopping and dining options, including high-end retail and local culinary offerings, cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its passengers.

The airport's efficient and user-friendly layout, with seamless connections and intuitive wayfinding, has been praised by travelers for enhancing their overall airport experience.

Munich Airport's strategic location, serving as a major hub for air travel in Central Europe, has contributed to its growing popularity and importance in the global aviation landscape.

7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore's Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings - Vancouver International Airport: Canada's Pacific Gem


7 Surprising Airports Outperforming Singapore’s Changi in 2024 Skytrax Rankings

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has solidified its position as a premier airport in North America, earning the prestigious title of the best airport in the region for the 12th consecutive year in the 2024 Skytrax rankings. This remarkable achievement showcases the airport's commitment to providing an exceptional passenger experience, with its state-of-the-art facilities, impeccable cleanliness, and world-class staff service.

YVR's global standing has also reached new heights, with the airport now ranking as the 20th best airport in the world. This recognition is a testament to the airport's continuous efforts to enhance its offerings, including the addition of new dining and retail options, as well as its focus on sustainability initiatives such as waste management and renewable energy usage.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has been named the best airport in North America in the Skytrax World Airport Awards for 2024, marking the end of a two-year hiatus during which Seattle-Tacoma International Airport held the top spot.

YVR has received the title of North America's cleanest airport and the third-best airport staff in North America in the 2024 Skytrax rankings, with Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport taking the first and second spots respectively.

In the global ranking, YVR has secured the 20th position, with Doha's Hamad International Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport taking the top two spots.

YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada and the largest in British Columbia, serving over 25 million passengers annually and offering flights to destinations across Canada, the United States, and around the world.

YVR is a major gateway for travel to and from Asia, serving as a hub for several major airlines and providing connections to dozens of Asian destinations.

In recent years, YVR has invested in improvements to its facilities and services, such as the addition of new dining and retail options and the expansion of its international terminal.

YVR has prioritized sustainability efforts, including the implementation of a waste management program and the use of renewable energy sources.

The airport has received recognition in past Skytrax rankings as well, being named Best Airport in North America for a record 12 times in the 2021 awards and ranking 22nd best airport in the world in the 2023 rankings.

YVR's exceptional facilities, terminal comfort, cleanliness, and staff service have consistently been praised by passengers, contributing to its surge in ranking over the past decade.

The airport's aesthetic appeal, amenities, and commitment to providing a positive passenger experience have also been highlighted as key factors in its recognition as a leading airport.

YVR's position as a major hub for air travel in North America, with its extensive flight network and connectivity, has been a significant advantage in its rise in the Skytrax rankings.

The airport's strategic location on Canada's Pacific coast, serving as a gateway to Asia and the rest of the world, has been a crucial factor in its success and recognition as a premier airport.

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