World’s best airports: Only one U.S. flight hub ranked among the top 20 airports in the world

Travelers looking to depart from a modern, attractive airport with efficient security, tasteful restaurants, and world-class shopping should bypass the United States
According to aviation ranking website Skytrax, only one U.S. airport ranks in the top 20 in the world — Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington state at number 18. The rest of the continent isn’t as hot either. Only one other combat hub in North America makes it to number 20, Canada’s Vancouver International Airport.
To fly in style, you need to travel to Europe and Asia, which have nine and eight of the best airports respectively, while Australia’s Melbourne Airport also makes the cut (No. 19).
Topping the list is Singapore’s Changi Airport, according to Skytrax, which based its ranking on customer satisfaction surveys from more than 550 airports, evaluating things like terminal layouts, security procedures, seating, transportation options, dining areas and shopping options.
Singapore’s busiest airport has often dominated lists of the world’s best airports despite slipping down the rankings during the coronavirus pandemic. It features numerous shopping opportunities and lush interior gardens.
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Other top-ranking airports in Asia are Hamad International Airport in Doha, which ranked second on Skytrax’s list, and Haneda Airport in Tokyo (No. 3). The top airports in Europe included Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (#5) and Munich International Airport (#7).
Airports in the United States, most of which are publicly owned and operated by state or local governments or quasi-public entities such as airport or port authorities, are among the country’s infrastructure investment gaps, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service suffered.
In comparison, 41% of European airports have private shareholders, according to Airport Council International, an organization that monitors international airport standards and industry practices.
If US airports don’t get respect, at least one flight hub is considered sooner than that the worst airport in the nation distinguishing itself now: New York’s LaGuardia Airport. SkyTrax called the facility’s Terminal B, which opened last year, the best new terminal in the world. According to the Port Authority, the project was the result of a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership.
Here are the 20 best airports in the world according to Skytrax rankings:
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Hamad International Airport
- Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
- Incheon International Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Istanbul Airport
- Munich Airport
- airport Zurich
- Narita International Airport
- Madrid Barajas Airport
- Vienna Airport
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
- Rome Fiumicino Airport
- Copenhagen Airport
- Kansai International Airport
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Melbourne Airport
- Vancouver International Airport