The Top 10 Airports in the World, 2016

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are the most esteemed in the industry, with passengers nominating the world’s top airports every year.  Here we list the Top 10 as voted for in 2016.  If you’re training to become a commercial pilot at CTI PFT, you might pass through some of these in the future!

1. Singapore Changi Airport

It’s the fourth year in a row that Singapore Changi Airport has won this prestigious award.  One of the largest hubs in South East Asia, about 6,800 flights depart or land every week – that’s one every 90 seconds!  Passengers praise Changi’s outstanding service, facilities, and infrastructure.

2. Incheon International Airport

South Korea’s largest airport, Incheon International is always rated highly by passengers.  It might have something to do with the spa, golf course, ice rink, casino, indoor gardens and Museum of Korean Culture you’ll find inside!

3. Munich Airport

Munich is home to the seventh busiest airport in Europe, serving nearly 41 million passengers a year.  Munich Airport has been well designed for easy orientation, as well as ensuring a maximum connection time of 35 minutes – the best in Europe.

4. Tokyo International Airport Haneda

Haneda Airport is the fifth busiest in the world.  Since its dedicated international terminal opened in 2010, the airport has operated long-haul flights during night-time hours and now serves over 75 million passengers a year.

5. Hong Kong International Airport

Only in commercial operation since 1998, Hong Kong International (aka Chek Lap Kok Airport) is a key passenger hub and gateway for Chinese destinations.  It’s also the world’s busiest cargo gateway (overtaking Memphis Int’l in 2010), but passengers are more impressed by its 350-seat IMAX theater. That’s one way to spend a layover!

6. Central Japan International Airport

Central Japan International – or Chubu Centrair – is found on an artificial island in Tokoname, Aichi.  As well as the excellent transport links that serve the airport, passengers enjoy the Sky Town Shopping Center, complete with 61 shops and restaurants.

7. Zürich Airport

Serving Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich Airport frequently ranks highly for passenger satisfaction.  Will The Circle – a new complex of shops, restaurants, offices and hotels – help it rise further up the ranks when it’s completed in 2018?

8. London Heathrow Airport

Europe’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, Heathrow handles over 75 million passengers a year.  It offers non-stop rail connections to London, essential for the customers of the 80 airlines it serves.

9. Kansai International Airport

Another Japanese airport built on an artificial island, you’ll find Kansai International in the middle of Osaka Bay, off the shore of Honshu.  It was built in 1994 to relieve overcrowding at Osaka International and is now an Asian hub with around 920 flights a week.

10. Hamad International Airport Doha

Hamad International serves Doha, the capital of Qatar, and has also won awards for the best airport in the Middle East.  Passengers particularly rate the wellness center and art exhibitions that give this airport a wonderful ambiance!

You can see the full list of the world’s top airports here.  And don’t forget, if you want the chance to visit these airports, training as a pilot is a great way to do it! So why not apply today?