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

Travelers looking to fly out of a modern, attractive airport with efficient security, tasteful restaurants and top-notch shopping should bypass the U.S.

According to aviation ranking website Skytrax, only one U.S. airport ranks among the top 20 in the world — Seattle-Tacoma Airport in Washington state, at No. 18. The rest of the continent isn’t so hot, either. Only one other fight hub in North America makes the grade, Canada’s Vancouver International Airport, at No. 20.

To fly in style, you’ll need to head to Europe and Asia, which boast 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 of more than 550 airports that evaluate things including their terminal layouts, security procedures, seating, transportation options, dining areas and shopping. 

Singapore’s largest airport has often dominated the world’s best airport list, despite slipping in the rankings during the coronavirus pandemic. It features scores of shopping outlets and lush indoor gardens. 

Other high-ranking airports in Asia include Doha’s Hamad International Airport, which landed second on Skytrax’s list, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (No. 3) . The top airports in Europe included Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (No. 5) and Munich International Airport (No. 7).

Airports in the U.S., most of which are publicly owned and operated by state or local governments or quasi-public entities like airport or port authorities, have suffered from the nation’s spotty investment in infrastructure, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service.

By comparison, 41% of European airports have private shareholders, according to the Airport Council International, an organization that oversees international airport standards and industry practices. 

If U.S. airports get no respect, at least one flight hub formerly regarded as the nation’s worst airport is now distinguishing itself: New York’s LaGuardia Airport. SkyTrax cited the facility’s Terminal B, which opened last year, as the world’s best new terminal. The project was the result of a multi-billion dollar public-private partnership, according to the Port Authority.

Here are world’s top 20 airports as ranked by Skytrax:

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
4. Incheon International Airport
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Istanbul Airport
7. Munich Airport
8. Zurich Airport
9. Narita International Airport
10. Madrid-Barajas Airport
11. Vienna International Airport
12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
13. Rome Fiumicino Airport
14. Copenhagen Airport
15. Kansai International Airport
16. Chubu Centrair International Airport
17. Dubai International Airport
18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
19. Melbourne Airport
20. Vancouver International Airport