Dusseldorf. Since 1999, the management consultancy Skytrax has presented a large number of awards in the aviation industry every year. Including the ranking of the leading airports worldwide. The British rating agency published the current edition in April 2025.
Skytrax evaluates the airports based on different criteria. Ranking factors include the handling of flight operations, customer service, transfers, security, arrival and departure, terminal comfort, restaurants and shopping opportunities. The individual airport ratings are based on assessments by airport customers.
But which airport leads the current ranking and proves to be the most popular airport in the world? Which German airport can compete internationally? An overview.
Zurich Airport, which opened in 1948, is known for its diverse leisure facilities. This year it was also named the cleanest airport in Europe by Skytrax. Couples can even exchange vows in the airport's historic control tower.
With around 31 million people in 2024, Switzerland's largest airport now reports as many passengers as before the corona pandemic. In the current ranking of the most popular airports in the world, it comes in tenth place.
Munich Airport “Franz Josef Strauß”, named after the former Bavarian Prime Minister, began operations in 1992. In the current Skytrax ranking of the most popular airports, the airport is in ninth place internationally and even in first place among the best airports in Central Europe.
In addition to a park with a mini golf course and an adventure playground, the airport offers a panoramic view of the runways from a 28 meter high viewing point. Visitors can also view historic aircraft such as the Super Constellation, the Douglas DC-3 or the Junkers Ju 52.
In 2025, Roma-Fiumicino “Leonardo da Vinci” Airport will reach eighth place in the global ranking of leading airports and will at the same time be recognized by Skytrax as the best airport in Southern Europe. As the largest airport in the Italian capital, it is located around 30 kilometers outside the city center.
With around 3.9 million air travelers in March 2025, Fiumicino is also the busiest airport in Italy. This is shown by data from the Italian airport operator association Assaeroporti. It also serves as the home airport and central hub of the national airline ITA Airways.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport ranks seventh among the most popular airports in the world in 2025 and was voted the best airport in Europe by the rating agency for the third time in a row.
The airport, named after French statesman Charles de Gaulle, opened in 1974. According to Skytrax, it is the largest airport in France and an important hub for the airline Air France.
Hong Kong Airport is one of the most modern airports in Asia. In 2024, the international airport association Airports Council International (ACI) also named it the world's largest cargo airport with 4.9 million tons of cargo volume. Since its opening in 1998, the airport has been located on the artificially expanded island of Chek Lap Kok in the west of the city.
With around 53 million passengers in 2024, the number of passengers is still well below the level of 72 million before the corona pandemic, but the airport still secures sixth place in the current Skytrax ranking of the best airports in the world.
Tokyo Narita Airport, which opened in 1978, is around 60 kilometers from the city center. It is one of two airports in the Japanese capital and primarily serves as a hub for international flights. According to official airport statistics, an average of 551 international flights take off and land here every day, compared to a significantly lower number of 124 domestic flights.
Skytrax rates the airport with five stars. Both product and service performance would meet the highest standards. This means that Narita International Airport secures fifth place in the ranking of the most popular airports and can therefore defend its position from last year.
Incheon International Airport in Seoul is the largest airport in South Korea. With a variety of shops, lounges, spa services, entertainment options such as an ice skating rink and golf course, and childcare facilities, this airport attracts passengers from all over the world.
Its location on an artificially raised land mass between the islands of Yeongjong and Yongyu is unusual. Since its opening in 2001, the airport has held a firm place in the list of the most popular airports in the world. In the current Skytrax ranking he is in fourth place.
Another airport from Japan takes third place in this year's ranking: Tokyo Haneda. The five-star airport began operations in 1955.
According to Skytrax, Tokyo Haneda sets high standards in terms of cleanliness, facilities, security and employee service and therefore also receives the award for the cleanest airport in the world.
Visitors can also visit the Japan Airlines Sky Museum and take part in free guided tours through the history of Japan Airlines.
Second place in this year's ranking is occupied by Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. This means that it falls down one place compared to the previous year. The airport opened in 2014 and is the home airport of Qatar Airways.
According to the rating agency, what should be highlighted at Doha Hamad Airport is its environmental friendliness. The building was designed so that the cold can be stored efficiently and the water used in daily operations can be reused to irrigate the surrounding areas.
Singapore Changi Airport takes first place in the Skytrax ranking in 2025. It pushes Doha airport out of the top spot. This means that the turnstile has received first place for the 13th time in the history of the Skytrax award.
