Skytrax announced the winner of its annual World Airport Awards on Wednesday at the Passenger Terminal Expo in London, England.
The UK-based international air transport rating agency named gave Singapore’s Changi Airport the top prize for the seventh consecutive year. This marks another clean sweep for the Southeast Asian city-state, as Changi Airport-based Singapore Airlines is the current Skytrax airline of the year.
“Changi Airport is honored to again be named World’s Best Airport,” Lee Seow Hiang, Changi Airport Group CEO, said in a statement. “We thank our passengers for their continued support. Their vote of confidence motivates us in our pursuit of service excellence and pushes us to continue redefining what an airport can be.”
In the same statement, Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said, “to be voted the World’s Best Airport for the seventh consecutive year is a truly fabulous achievement for Changi Airport, and this award continues to underline the airport’s popularity with international air travelers.”
Changi is one of Southeast Asia’s largest transit hubs and is a major cog in Singapore’s bustling economy.
The facility is world-famous for its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, and plentiful dining and shopping options.
Once again, Asia dominated the top of end of the rankings, taking the top six spots. European airports also performed well taking, seven of the top 15 spots. No airports from North America, South America, Australia, or Africa made it into the top 15.
The highest ranking US airports are Denver International in 32nd position followed by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International at 36.
The Skytrax annual rankings are based on the impressions of millions of flyers from over 100 countries. More than 550 airports were included in the survey, which covers 39 service and performance parameters, including facility comfort, the location of bathrooms, and the language skills of the airport staff.
Here’s a closer look at the other airports that made it to the top of the prestigious Skytrax list:
15. Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
Yearly passengers: 30.3 million
Previous rank: 19
Why it’s awesome: Copenhagen is one of the busiest hubs in Northern Europe and is a major base of operations for Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle.
Skytrax reviewers lauded the airport for its clearly placed signs and the efficient, though sometimes crowded, facilities.
14. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Yearly passengers: 71.1 million
Previous rank: 12
Why it’s awesome: Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe and serves as a hub for KLM and Transavia.
Opened in 1916, Schiphol is noted for its wide variety of leisure activities, and it has a library in which fliers can cozy up with a good book while waiting for their flights.
13. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Yearly passengers: 42.3 million
Previous rank: 15
Why it’s awesome: Located just outside of the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, Taoyuan International is the largest airport in Taiwan. The airport is the home base for both China Airlines and EVA Air.
Skytrax reviewers praised the airport for its polite service, clean environment, and speedy immigration lines. Taoyuan was also once home to Taiwan’s aviation museum, but the museum was shut down earlier this year to make way for further airport expansion.
Benjamin Zhang
Source: lmtonline.com
