Istanbul Airport has been crowned the world’s best airport in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, overtaking Singapore’s iconic Changi Airport and securing the top position with an impressive score of 98.57. The win marks Istanbul Airport’s second consecutive year at No. 1, reflecting its rapid rise as a global aviation hub.
According to the rankings, the airport’s expanding international connectivity, modern infrastructure, and enhanced passenger services played a decisive role in elevating its score from 95.79 in 2024. Travellers praised its “bright and spacious design,” efficient navigation, and wide range of amenities.
Changi Airport Slips to Second Place
Singapore’s Changi Airport—long considered the gold standard in global airport rankings—secured the second position with a score of 95.20. Despite its famed indoor waterfall and lush greenery featuring nearly 600,000 plants, Changi was edged out by Istanbul’s strong performance across multiple service categories.
Middle East Dominates the Top Five
Airports across the Middle East continued their strong showing, capturing four of the top five positions. Doha’s Hamad International Airport ranked third, followed by Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Dubai International Airport. These hubs were recognised for their contemporary design, intuitive layouts, and extensive passenger amenities.
Mumbai Airport Breaks Into Global Top 10
India’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai achieved a notable milestone, ranking ninth with a score of 84.23, ahead of South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. The airport recently became India’s first—and the world’s third—to receive Level 5 Accreditation for Airport Customer Experience, the highest honour awarded by Airports Council International.
Top 10 Airports in the World (2025)
- Istanbul Airport – 98.57
- Singapore Changi Airport – 95.20
- Hamad International Airport, Doha – 92.34
- Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi – 89.48
- Dubai International Airport – 88.38
- Hong Kong International Airport – 86.22
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland – 86.18
- Haneda Airport, Tokyo – 84.47
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai – 84.23
- Incheon International Airport, South Korea – 83.67
