International travelers are in for a pleasant surprise when they return to their favorite airports: Many major hubs used the pandemic downtime to spruce up their facilities, renovating lounges and expanding common spaces for more social distancing. Some had already undergone dramatic transformations, as starchitects worked their magic, creating bright and airy airports with amenities ranging from spas and yoga rooms to lush outdoor gardens and swimming pools. Read on to see which international airports made the top 10 in our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards.
10. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
One of Europe’s busiest airports by passenger traffic, London Heathrow continues to add services and amenities for transit travelers; its shopping selection is so good, in fact, that you might even pray for a delay. Aficionados flock to the World of Whiskies shop for its popular Scotch tastings, and to outposts of High Street emporia like Burberry, Harrods, and Fortnum & Mason. Those with cash to burn can also take advantage of a “reserve and collect” service or utilize the airport’s free personal shopper service, another plus that has raised Heathrow’s standing among fashionable fliers in recent years.
9. Zurich Airport (ZRH)
As Switzerland’s largest international airport, Zurich is also the main hub for Swiss, which operates business-class and first-class lounges—and those clubs are no joke, thanks to champagne and whiskey bars. Looking for a place to buy some duty-free chocolate? There are dozens of shops here to browse. Readers also like the variety of restaurants and bars, and if the weather cooperates, there’s an outdoor observation deck with sweeping views of the action on the runways.
8. Athens International Airport (ATH)
Greece’s busiest airport and the capital home base of Aegean Airlines, Athens International has won praise for its modern facilities, an easy-to-navigate layout, and its convenient location not far from the capital. Since the Greek government became one of the first to welcome vaccinated Americans this year, the airport has enjoyed direct flights from major U.S. cities via American, Delta, United, and now Emirates.
7. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
As the gateway to one of North Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, Marrakech’s Menra Airport is a worthy introduction to Morocco; it’s not only close to its home city, but also wins raves from fliers for its “stunning” design. As one Traveler reader put it, “The moment you land, you know you have been transported into Northern Africa. The airport is a direct reflection of the culture.”
6. Dubai International Airport (DXB)
As one of the biggest airports in the world overall, Dubai, unsurprisingly, also has one of the world’s biggest duty-free shopping centers. As the base for flag airline Emirates, a Readers’ Choice favorite, it is also served by scores of international airlines, and it’s long been a popular stopover destination for North American travelers heading to East Asia or the South Pacific. Amenities like zen gardens and nap pods help pass the time on a stay of any length.
5. Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Doha’s airport is a major connecting hub for Qatar’s eponymous home airline (also a Readers’ Choice pick) and at times, it can seem more like a resort hotel than a bustling transportation hub, with amenities that include a fitness center, squash courts, and an indoor swimming pool. It’s gotten high marks for its premium amenities, with a wide choice of lounges, plus quiet rooms and child’s entertainment zones for passengers in any airline class. For those on longer layovers, there is an upscale hotel right inside the terminal, with half- or full-day rates available.
4. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Seoul’s main international airport opened 20 years ago on reclaimed land in the port city of Incheon and has been expanding ever since: A second passenger terminal opened in 2018, part of the airport’s aim to double its capacity to 100 million passengers annually. Primarily serving the country’s two main airlines, Korean and Asiana, Incheon International also gains points for its spacious VIP lounges and amenities, including an indoor skating rink, a spa, and a “Cultural Street” with local cuisine and dance performances. While it’s 30 miles from the capital, a high-speed rail link makes the trip from terminal to city center in 43 minutes.
3. Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
As home to both Japan Air Lines and All Nippon Airways, Tokyo’s Narita is Japan’s main international airport and a major connecting hub for travelers from North America to Asia. While it’s a lot farther from the city than Haneda, airport express trains help cut the travel time from terminal to downtown to about 40 minutes. Narita’s three terminals offer an array of duty-free shops, and a choice of dining options for those craving ramen or sushi. Transit passengers in need of a shower or nap can book one of the airport’s day rooms; there’s also an in-terminal capsule hotel, fittingly named “Nine Hours.”
2. Istanbul Airport (IST)
Opened in 2018 amid great fanfare—and bold ambitions to become the world’s biggest airport—the new IST gets praise for its modern design by Grimshaw Architects, which has netted awards for its emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. With high-tech touches like a fleet of robots to direct passengers through the 818-million-square-foot hub and runway capacity to move a total of 90 flights per hour, the airport is poised to take off as a major global player.
1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
That Changi has once again snagged the top spot among world airports is no surprise, given that it’s home to our readers’ favorite carrier, Singapore Airlines, making it an ideal gateway to dozens of locations in the region. The airport is a destination in itself, with waterfalls and gardens, open-air decks and a variety of restaurants. Traveler readers also like the self-boarding gates and free and fast Wi-Fi, and there’s even a swimming pool if you’ve got time to take a dip.
