19 Top Airports Named World's Best – Do You Agree?

Discover the World’s Best Airports According to Travelers

Airports are often seen as just a necessary part of travel, but for many, they can significantly impact the overall experience. A recent dataset from DiscoverCars.com has identified the most liked and praised airports in the world based on traveler feedback. The research involved surveying 3,500 travelers who rated their experiences at various airports on a scale of 0-10, taking into account factors like service quality, ease of navigation, and queue times.

Here is a detailed look at the top airports that made the list:

19. Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco

Located four and a half miles from Marrakesh city center, this airport is known for its modern architectural design and 21st-century décor. It is among the most stunning in Africa and scores 7.58 out of 10. The staff are polite and attentive, and the immigration process is smooth. There is also regular bus transport to the city, making it a convenient choice for travelers.

18. Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy

Formerly known as Orio al Serio International Airport, this third-busiest international airport in Italy is a popular choice for budget airlines and those traveling to Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Milan. More than 17 million passengers passed through its terminals in 2024. The security process is usually fast, and there are plenty of catering options. The Orio Shuttle connects Bergamo Airport with the center of Milan and takes around 50 minutes.

17. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Italy

Also known as Rome Fiumicino Airport, this is Italy’s busiest airport and recently underwent a major refurbishment. It serves the capital, Rome, which is around 19 miles away. The airport is clean, modern, and spacious, with numerous shopping and dining options. Its easy-to-navigate design makes it fun to explore, and there are excellent train and coach connections into the Eternal City.

Joint 15. Vincenzo Bellini Airport, Sicily, Italy

This airport, named after the opera composer, is located near the city of Catania on the beautiful island of Sicily. Many tourists pass through here to take a tour of Mount Etna. The airport is praised for its efficiency and service, and ITA Airways’ new Piazza Vincenzo Bellini lounge opened in December 2023. Transfers by taxi to Catania itself take around 20 minutes, and there are also buses available to the city center.

Joint 15. Tenerife South Airport, Tenerife, Spain

Also in 15th place with a score of 8.28, this larger of the two international airports on the Canary Island of Tenerife is in the district of Granadilla de Abona, in easy reach of the busy tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. Despite its size, the well-designed signage and efficient processes make it easy to navigate, and the airport's plentiful food and beverage options are superior to those found in the older airport in the north.

14. Humberto Delgado Airport, Portugal

Informally known as Lisbon Airport, this is the first Portuguese entry on the list and also the country’s busiest. Its history dates back to 1942, when it opened as a neutral airport during the height of World War II. Humberto Delgado Airport is a hub for TAP Air Portugal, and the airline’s lounge can be a haven from the sometimes chaotic terminal, especially during the city’s peak summer travel season.

13. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius

Praised for its efficient arrival process, good facilities, and relaxed atmosphere, this primary international airport serving Mauritius ranks highly among passengers. Located at Plaine Magnien, 30 miles southeast of the capital Port Louis, it offers reliable taxi services, airport shuttles, and public buses, as well as reasonably priced car rentals.

12. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, Portugal

The second Portuguese airport on this countdown serves the vibrant coastal city of Porto, known for its stately bridges and port wine production. Ideal for a city break, it is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, named after the country’s former prime minister, who unfortunately died in a plane crash in 1980. There have been major improvements at this spacious, bright, and quiet airport over the past few years, and there are few long lines at either security or immigration.

11. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, Italy

Named after Pope John Paul II, who was born Karol Wojtyła, Bari Airport is the busier of the two airports serving the Italian region of Puglia. Its location halfway down the Puglian coast makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the region's charming towns, rich culture, and thriving restaurant scene. The airport itself has been praised for its efficient operations and recent renovation, while its VIP lounge, offering a quiet and comfortable space with local food and friendly staff, is also well-regarded.

10. Auckland Airport, New Zealand

New Zealand's busiest and largest airport scored 8.49 and handled more than 18 million passengers in 2024. Most of them would have spent a few days in the city of Auckland before exploring the natural wonders of the North Island. The management at Auckland Airport has introduced a few changes recently aimed at making it easier and faster for travelers to pass through, including clearer signage and self-service kiosks.

9. Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy

The highest-placed Italian airport on this list serves Lombardy, Piedmont, and Liguria, as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino. Although it’s often busy, traveling through the airport is usually quick and straightforward. Its convenient location, just 25 minutes from the vast cathedral and world-famous fashion lines of Milan, makes it a hit with passengers. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are also within a reasonable distance and easily accessible by train or car.

8. Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, Spain

Located on Spain's south coast, the country’s fourth busiest airport is popular with European vacationers heading for resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella, and Estepona. So much so that there are plans to expand it. Once you’re through security, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, plus a wide array of shops, although it can get busy during the summer months. The airport receives positive reviews and an impressive score of 8.61.

7. Gran Canaria Airport, Gran Canaria, Spain

In seventh place with 8.69 out of 10, Las Palmas Airport (as it is often known) is the gateway to the popular island of Gran Canaria, known for its sandy dunes, volcanic landscape, and buzzing nightlife. The airport is generally considered clean and spacious, with ample space for queuing at check-in and in the gate areas. Another bonus for travelers is that food and drink prices are generally less expensive than at other major European airports.

6. Athens International Airport, Greece

Greece’s iconic capital city is a popular tourist spot, thanks mostly to its world-famous temples and other ancient historical sites. Millions of people flock here every year to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Despite its size and the number of flights it handles, Athens International Airport is efficient in processing passengers. The duty-free shops offer competitive prices, and the Airport Agora shopping and dining area is a pleasant place to relax before your flight.

5. Fuerteventura Airport, Fuerteventura, Spain

Highlighting the importance of a speedy airport experience, respondents who traveled to Fuerteventura Airport reported that “everything was quick and smooth.” The convenient transfers and friendly service were also big pluses. Previously overlooked in favor of neighboring Canary Island staples Lanzarote and Tenerife, the rugged island of Fuerteventura is becoming an ever more popular choice for those seeking relaxation, water sports, and unique landscapes like the Corralejo Dunes.

4. César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport, Lanzarote, Spain

The people in charge of airports on the Canary Islands must be doing something right – this is the archipelago's third entry in the top 10. Around three million people a year flock to Lanzarote off the west coast of Africa, usually for its variety of beaches and tropical blue lagoons. The island’s airport, located southwest of the capital Arrecife, scored 8.91 with travelers in the survey. Tourists reported that "the airport and passport control were quick and easy to get through."

3. Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful flora and fauna, and fortified wine and culinary delicacies. It is home to a prehistoric laurel forest, the Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the superstar footballer, the island's main airport scored 9.07 out of 10. People spend a lot of time waiting in airports, so having somewhere pleasant to relax is crucial. In the survey, one tourist said that this airport "has all the amenities we need and is a comfortable place to wait for a flight."

2. Queenstown International Airport, New Zealand

Traveling can be very stressful, but the survey found that passengers at Queenstown Airport had a very positive experience. One tourist described the airport, which narrowly missed out on the top spot, as "great, easy to get around, and no holdups." The mountainous landscape of this scenic resort town provides tourists with plenty of exciting experiences all year round, with popular activities including bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing, and hiking, plus visits to famous landmarks like Coronet Peak.

1. Christchurch Airport, New Zealand

The best airport to fly into, according to the DiscoverCars.com survey, is New Zealand's Christchurch Airport, which scored an outstanding 9.21 out of 10. The research revealed excellent customer service, with one traveler reporting a "smooth and easy experience" despite the crowds. The airport hotels are also first class, including the high-end Sudima Hotel. Once you step outside the airport, Christchurch is a beautiful place for strolling and enjoying gardens and cafés.