The best airports in the world ranked for 2023

Which airports have the best passenger experience and facilities, and how does your most frequently visited airport rank in terms of services? A new study conducted by aviation industry expert, Cabin Crew HQ, has analysed factors such as passenger count, average on-time flights, parking fees, drop-off costs, and the number of restaurants and shops, to create a world ranking.

Major airports worldwide were evaluated using six distinct criteria, assigning a score of 100 for each. These individual scores were then combined and weighted to generate a final score out of 100. The data was sourced from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and The Official Aviation Guide of the Airways (OAG).

If you’re just looking for the headline figures, the study named Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport in Japan as the top airport in the world for 2023, scoring 80 out of 100. Despite its efforts, Charlotte Douglas International Airport in the United States sits at the bottom of the top 10, scoring 65.26.

In figures: the 10 best airports in the world in 2023

Take a closer look at the 10 best airports in the world:

Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport, Japan

Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport in Japan ranks first, with the highest final score of 80. It has an impressive on-time flight average of 88.4%, and the highest number of restaurants and shops among the top 10 airports.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in the United States comes second with a final score 75.18. Despite having the highest passenger count on the list, its average on-time flights are slightly lower than Tokyo’s, at 78.4%.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport, USA

O’Hare International Airport, United States, ranks third with a final score of 71.04. Its on-time flight average is 77.2%, and it offers many restaurants and shops.

Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México

Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México “Lic Benito Juárez”, Mexico, comes fourth with a score of 69.82. While the airport for Mexico City has an on-time flight average lower than the top three, it stands out for the high number of restaurants and shops it hosts.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA

Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport, United States, is fifth with a final score 67.59. Its on-time flight average is 75%, slightly below that of the top four airports.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, USA

George Bush Intercontinental Airport serves Houston, Texas, and ranks sixth with a final score 67.49. Despite having the second-lowest passenger count in the top 10, it compensates for this with a good number of restaurants and shops.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, India

Indira Gandhi International Airport, serving New Delhi, is seventh on the list with a final score of 67.23. It hosts a modest number of restaurants and shops compared to the top six, but boasts a commendable on-time flight average of 81.1%.

Denver International Airport, USA

Denver International Airport, United States, ranks eighth with a final score of 66.29. Its on-time flight average is the lowest among the top 10, at 69.5%.

Istanbul International Airport, Turkey

Istanbul International Airport, Turkey, comes ninth with a final score of 65.67. It has a relatively low parking fee and hosts fewer restaurants and shops compared to other airports in the top 10.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, USA

Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, United States, ranks tenth with a final score 65.26. Despite offering free parking and having a good on-time flight average of 79.3%, it has the lowest number of restaurants and shops among the top 10 airports.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina made it to the 10th spot. Photo: James Willamor

The 5 best airports with the fewest flight delays

Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport in Japan again ranks first, with the highest average on-time performance (OTP) of 88.4%. This means that 88.4% of the flights at this airport depart and arrive on schedule, indicating high efficiency in its operations.

In the unlikely event of a flight delay at Tokyo Haneda, the many shops and restaurants are a great way to pass the time. Photo: Maeda Akihiko

The 5 best airports with the cheapest car parking

The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia comes in first, offering the most affordable weekly parking rates, at only US$2.8. This remarkably low parking fee makes it highly attractive to travellers who need to leave their vehicles at the airport for an extended period. This cost is significantly lower than the other airports listed in the top five, indicating that Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is an exceptionally cost-effective choice for travellers considering parking options.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta is the winner when it comes to car parking fees. Photo: Gunawan Kartapranata

The 5 best airports with the most restaurant choices

There are abundant dining options at Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México. Photo: De Another Believer

The Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México “Lic Benito Juárez” in Mexico is the top airport with regards to restaurant choices. With an impressive 168 restaurants, this airport offers its passengers the widest variety of dining options among the airports listed.

This wide range of restaurants can greatly enhance the travel experience for passengers, offering various cuisines and dining styles to suit various preferences and dietary needs. This is particularly beneficial for travellers who may be spending long periods at the airport due to layovers or delays, as it provides them with an extensive range of food options.

The complete study by cabincrewhq.com can be accessed HERE.