Faith Nyasuguta
Doha’s Hamad International Airport clinched the prestigious title of the World’s Best Airport at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, renowned as the ‘Oscars of the airport industry’.
Earning accolades for its 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi, the airport also secured the distinction of being crowned the World’s Best Airport Shopping destination.
This marks its third win as the world’s best, having previously claimed the top spot in 2021 and 2022. Despite its remarkable achievements, Singapore Changi Airport, which held the title in 2023, settled for second place this year.
Seoul Incheon Airport claimed the third position globally and was honored with the title of World’s Most Family Friendly Airport. Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita rounded off the top five rankings.
Notably absent from the top 20 were airports from the UK and the USA. However, Newark Liberty Airport – Terminal A clinched the award for the World’s Best New Airport Terminal, while Houston Airport System received recognition for World’s Best Airport Art and Entertainment. Heathrow Airport, though ranking a commendable 21st globally out of 597 airports worldwide, failed to secure any top prizes.
WORLD’S TOP 20 AIRPORTS IN 2024:
1. Hamad International Airport, Doha
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Seoul Incheon Airport
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport
5. Tokyo Narita Airport
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
7. Dubai Airport
8. Munich Airport
9. Zurich Airport
10. Istanbul Airport
11. Hong Kong Airport
12. Rome Fiumicino Airport
13. Vienna Airport
14. Helsinki-Vantaa
15. Madrid-Barajas
16. Centrair Nagoya Airport
17. Vancouver Airport
18. Kansai Airport
19. Melbourne Airport
20. Copenhagen Airport
Source: Skytrax
Reflecting on the momentous win, Eng. Badr Al Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude, stating, “This year, Hamad International Airport celebrates its milestone tenth year of operations, and we are truly honored that passengers have voted us Best Airport in the World for a third time.”
Al Meer attributed the success to the dedicated employees and their commitment to innovation and excellence in passenger experience.
The awards ceremony, held at Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt, highlighted Tokyo Narita Airport for outstanding customer service, earning it the titles of World’s Best Airport Staff and Best Airport Staff in Asia. New Chitose Airport in Japan received recognition as the World’s Most Improved Airport.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport secured the award for World’s Best Airport Hotel for the ninth time and was also hailed as the Best Airport Hotel in Asia. Rome Fiumicino Airport earned its inaugural award for the World’s Best Airport Security Processing, while Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport’s Terminal 3 was honored as the World’s Best Low-Cost Terminal and named Best Airport in Europe for the second consecutive year.
Other notable winners include Istanbul Airport for World’s Best Airport Dining Experience and Best Airport in Southern Europe, Helsinki Vantaa Airport as Best Airport in Northern Europe, and Budapest Airport as Best Airport in Eastern Europe.
In Africa, Cape Town Airport emerged victorious as the Best Airport in Africa and was commended for Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, while Durban King Shaka Airport secured the title of Best Regional Airport in Africa.
The World Airport Awards, determined by passengers in an annual global airport customer satisfaction survey, celebrate excellence in the aviation industry.
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