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.
Related News Articles
Elevating Civil Aviation: Mohol's Pioneering Role in Pune
Discover how Mohol is driving growth in Pune's civil aviation sector, with insights from Hemant Rasne, former Mayor and BJP leader.
Budget 2024: A Boost to Sustainable Growth in Real Estate
The Union Budget 2024 focuses on MSMEs, employment, skilling, youth, and middle-class, with indirect benefits to the real estate sector through job creation, infrastructure, and urban redevelopment.
Dubai Real Estate Market Sets AED 141.9 Billion Quarterly Sales Record in Q3 2024
Dubai’s real estate market achieved a significant milestone in Q3 2024, with total sales reaching AED 141.9 billion, marking a new all-time high for a single quarter. This achievement surpassed the previous record of AED 124.07 billion set in Q2 2024, ref
Elan Group Gets a Boost with Rs 1200 Crore from Kotak Real Estate Fund
The investment will serve as growth capital, helping Elan Group cement its position in the thriving real estate market of Gurugram. This strategic move is expected to accelerate the company's expansion and development projects in the region.
Delhi-NCR: The Metro City Witnessing a Massive Surge in Housing Prices
The report suggests that the price appreciation in Delhi-NCR is attributed to rising demand for high-end properties. Read more to know the details.
Radisson Resort Khopoli Launches as a Luxurious Getaway Near Mumbai and Pune
Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its footprint in Maharashtra with the opening of Radisson Resort Khopoli, offering a premium retreat for travelers near Mumbai and Pune.