The airport is often the hallmark of a major city: it is the first thing travelers see immediately after arrival, where they spend long hours waiting for their flight, so its importance should not be underestimated.
London Heathrow Airport
Passengers annually: 69.4 million.
Advantages: even though London mayor Boris Johnson thinks this airport “gives a terrible impression of Britain to tourists,” it still managed to get into the Skytrax top 10.
The third busiest in 2011, this airport won in the Best Shops and Best Terminal categories. The 19-year design and construction of the T5 terminal, which opened in 2008, cost about $6.2 billion.
Heathrow received 4 to 5 stars on the Skytrax star rating system for ease of use of the airport, available flight information, public transportation, efficiency of airport staff and more.
Vancouver International Airport.
Passengers annually: 18 million.
Advantages: It is the least congested airport of all 10 award winners and is famous for its Canadian Pacific Coast Folk Art Museum.
This is the fourth year in a row that Vancouver Airport has been named the best airport in North America and is well worth the money invested in its expansion (about $1.4 billion). The quality of airport staff is also praised. Volunteers in green uniforms help tourists navigate the airport building.
Zurich airport.
Passengers annually: 24.8 million.
Advantages: Zurich airport is the largest and busiest international airport in Switzerland. In 2003 the airport building was significantly expanded with a new terminal building and the launch of an underground, fully automated train called Skymetro that takes travelers into the city.
Located 11 kilometers north of downtown Zurich, the airport is highly rated by Skytrax for security, immigration control and more.
A porter is also available at the airport to take your luggage to any destination for a fee.
Shawdue International Airport.
78.7 million annual passengers.
Advantages: The airport handles approximately 78 million people a year and is the second busiest airport in the world, behind first place Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.
That’s why Beijing is building a new airport that will surpass John F. Kennedy Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Airport combined.
The tallest building in the capital, Terminal 3 won the award for Best Terminal. The opening of this terminal in 2008 coincided with the Beijing Olympics.
Beijing Langham Place hotel was named the second best airport hotel in the world.
Tokyo International Airport / Haneda Airport
Passengers annually: 62.6 million.
Advantages: With the opening of a third international terminal in 2010, Haneda Airport can handle up to 90 million passengers annually.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to expand the new terminal, and as early as March 2014, additional parking lots, 8 gates and a hotel were built.
The Japanese airport was recognized by Skytrax agency as the best local airport in the world and received high marks for the cleanliness of the terminals, stores and passenger security organization.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Passengers annually: 49.8 million.
Advantages: Schiphol opened in 1916 and at first it was a military airfield, which later became one of the busiest airports in the world.
While waiting for their flight, travelers can get a massage, play poker in the casino, or read a book in the airport library.
Schiphol is also known for its excellent restaurants, stores, and many other amenities.
Hong Kong International Airport
Passengers annually: 53.3 million.
Advantages: It is the busiest airport, which is within five hours of half the world’s population.
Hong Kong airport is praised for the speed of luggage delivery, restaurants, stores and cleanliness of the premises.
In March 2012, the airport was equipped with a third runway.
And to pass the time when a flight is delayed, passengers can go to the 9-hole golf course.
Munich Airport.
Passengers annually: 37.8 million.
Advantages: Germany’s second busiest airport has some of the most beautiful terminals, where the walls and ceilings are made of glass, which visually expands the building.
From the airport to the center of Munich it takes 45 minutes to get by train, which was voted the best in Europe. The airport is highly rated for its restaurants and shopping malls.
Incheon International Airport
Passengers annually: 39.2 million.
Advantages: South Korea’s largest airport serves more than 70 airlines. It is one of three airports rated five stars by Skytrax.
From 2005 to 2012, Incheon Airport topped the list of the best airports in the world according to the Airports Council International.
This relatively young airport, which opened in March 2001, has a Museum of Korean Culture. The airport received high marks from Skytrax for its appearance, cleanliness, seating areas, Internet access, and local eateries.