World's best airports

Many of us probably haven’t set foot in an airport for a while, so you may have forgotten just how stressful it can be at times, from cancellations or delays to frantically checking off your last minute checklist.

That said, modern airports have come a long way, with the some creating relaxing spaces including amenities such as yoga rooms and outdoor gardens.

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But where are the best airports in the world for travellers? Looking at a number of factors including delays, parking costs, transfer times and more, money.co.uk has ranked the world’s 50 busiest airports.

The best airports in the world

1. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore - 8.32/10

Singapore Changi is one of the busiest and now best airports in the world, offering an unrivalled experience for its passengers, with a score of 8.32.

Changi has the second-highest number of shops on offer (224) and allows you to park for just £19.14 for a week.

2. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan - 8.03/10

Another Asian airport comes in second place, with Tokyo Haneda scoring 8.03. Haneda is also incredibly busy, yet was the top-scoring airport for on-time flights.

The airport was once Tokyo’s main airport but has since tried to shift its focus to premium business routes.

3. Mexico City International Airport, Mexico - 7.40/10

In third place is Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport, the busiest airport in Latin America.

While it scored poorly on some factors, Mexico City has 226 shops and is also just seven minutes away from the city centre.

Which airport has the fewest delayed flights?

On-time flights - Tokyo Haneda Airport (86.4%)

Delays are perhaps the most frustrating thing that can happen while travelling, but there’s quite a big difference between the on-time performance of different airports.

The airport with the fewest delays (flights that depart at least 15 minutes late) is Tokyo Haneda, despite dealing with over 85 million passengers a year.

Where is the busiest airport? 

Passenger numbers - Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (110.5m)

The world’s busiest airport in terms of passengers is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, which welcomes over 110 million passengers through its terminals in 2019. (Of course, figures for later years have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic).

Hartsfield–Jackson is home to one of the world’s biggest airlines, Delta, and pre-COVID was serving over 1,000 flights a day to over 200 destinations.

Where is the world’s best airport for cheap parking?

Parking costs - Singapore Changi Airport (£19.14 for seven days)

If you want the convenience of leaving your car at the airport, you usually have to pay a premium, although that’s not the case at Singapore Changi Airport.

Here, seven days at the airport’s cheapest car park will cost just S$35, which equates to £19.14

Where are the best airports for cheap drop-off costs?

While airports often charge a fee even if a vehicle is simply dropping someone off, a number do allow you to do so for free.

Just under half (46%) of the world’s 50 busiest airports offered an initial period where cars are allowed to drop someone off free of charge.

Which airport has the most restaurant choices?

Restaurants - Seoul Incheon International Airport (264)

By far the best airport for dining options is Seoul Incheon, in South Korea, with 264 restaurants.

Here travellers can enjoy restaurants featuring Korean food and cuisine from other Asian countries, as well as a number of fast-food outlets.

Which airport is the best for shopping?

Shops - Mexico City International Airport (226)

Shopping doesn’t just help to pass the time at the airport, but you can also pick up some great deals at duty-free outlets. The best airport in the world for shopping options is Mexico City, with 226.

Which airport is closest to its nearest city? 

Estimated taxi transfer time - Mexico City International Airport (7 minutes)

From the 50 busiest airports, as well as having the most shops, Mexico City’s airport was also the one where travellers have to travel the least distance to the city. 

Benito Juárez is fairly unusual for an airport in that it is located right outside the city centre, just a seven-minute taxi journey away.

Which airport has the cheapest transfer cost?

The cost of actually getting from the airport to your destination can sometimes be a nasty surprise upon arrival.

Nine out of 50 of the busiest airports in the world have an estimated cost of just £10 when it comes to getting into the city.

So if you are travelling soon, there are a plenty of options for you to make the most out of your trip, starting at the doors of the airport.