Istanbul Airport Reigns Supreme: Top 10 Best International Airports of 2025
Istanbul Airport has been named the world’s best international airport for the second consecutive year by Travel + Leisure, scoring 98.57. Discover the top 10 rankings, criteria, and key factors that made Istanbul Airport the global leader.
Istanbul AirportTravel LeisureInternational AirportsAirport RankingsPassenger ExperienceReal EstateJul 22, 2025
Turkey’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced the achievement on social media. He stated that Istanbul Airport was ranked number one on the “World’s Top 10 International Airports” list by Travel + Leisure. This is the second year in a row that the airport has taken the top spot.
Travel + Leisure also noted that the airport improved its performance with a score of 98.57 this year. In 2024, its score was 95.79. In 2023, the airport ranked seventh with a score of 83.36. The consistent improvement reflects the airport's infrastructure development and traveler satisfaction.
On July 18, 2025, Istanbul Airport reached a record high of 1,695 air traffic movements in a single day. The airport also handled approximately 80 million passengers in 2024, making it Europe’s largest and second-busiest airport. It also became Europe’s busiest air cargo hub in 2024, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe Annual Traffic Report.
In April 2025, Istanbul Airport began simultaneous operations on three runways. This made it the first in Europe and only the second in the world, after an airport in the United States, to manage such operations. This triple-runway setup has supported greater flight frequency, helping the airport achieve high air traffic volumes in Europe.
The Travel + Leisure ranking is based on reader feedback. Travelers evaluated airports on accessibility, check-in experience, security, dining, shopping, and design. Travelers praised Istanbul Airport’s layout and signage. One reader described the airport as “light and airy” with good direction signs. Another traveler commented that the airport is “customer-oriented and reliable.”
The top 10 international airports in the 2025 rankings included:
1. Istanbul Airport, Turkey – 98.57
2. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore – 95.20
3. Hamad International Airport, Doha – 92.34
4. Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi – 89.48
5. Dubai International Airport, UAE – 88.38
6. Hong Kong International Airport, China – 86.22
7. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland – 86.18
8. Haneda Airport, Tokyo – 84.47
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai – 84.23
10. Incheon International Airport, South Korea – 83.67
India’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranked ninth on the global list. The airport is managed by Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), which is part of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. It is also the first airport in India and the third in the world to earn Level 5 Accreditation for Airport Customer Experience, the highest award given by Airports Council International.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Istanbul Airport receive the top spot in the 2025 rankings?
Istanbul Airport scored 98.57 based on passenger experience, check-in, accessibility, shopping, and security. Travelers praised its design and smooth operations.
How did Mumbai Airport perform in the rankings?
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ranked ninth with a score of 84.23 and received a Level 5 ACI customer experience accreditation.
What factors did Travel + Leisure consider in their airport rankings?
Travel + Leisure considered factors such as accessibility, check-in experience, security, dining, shopping, and design in their airport rankings.
How many air traffic movements did Istanbul Airport handle in a single day in 2025?
On July 18, 2025, Istanbul Airport reached a record high of 1,695 air traffic movements in a single day.
Which airport in Europe can operate simultaneously on three runways?
Istanbul Airport is the first in Europe to operate simultaneously on three runways, enhancing its flight frequency and air traffic volumes.
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