1. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa (8.57 points): Climbing one spot from 2024, Cape Town International Airport takes the top spot. Landing here feels like arriving at the edge of the world, with the majestic Table Mountain in the distance, nearby vineyards, and penguin-populated beaches. A friendly and efficient experience helped the airport achieve an 8.7 passenger satisfaction rating.

AirHelp’s "World’s Best Airports 2025" ranking, released in July, assessed 250 airports based on three factors: on-time performance, passenger feedback, and the quality of food and retail outlets.

On-time performance was evaluated based on the percentage of flights arriving on time (within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival), using data from various sources, including government agencies, airports, and flight tracking providers. Passenger feedback was collected through surveys about staff, wait times, accessibility, and cleanliness. Food and retail were assessed based on shopping and dining experiences.

2. Hamad International Airport, Qatar (8.52 points): Dropping one place from last year, Hamad International Airport resembles a luxurious hotel with planes. It boasts stylish design, an orchid garden, art installations, and designer shops. Leading the way in food and retail with a score of 9, Hamad International Airport serves as the gateway to Doha, a city that blends modern skyscrapers with ancient souks (markets) and the desert. Travelers consistently praise the airport's exceptional experience.

According to AirHelp, the three factors are scored from "very good" to "very bad," and the total score determines the final ranking. On-time performance carries the highest weighting (60%) to reflect its importance to passenger experience.

3. Riyadh King Khaled International Airport, Saudi Arabia (8.47 points): This airport soared 30 places from last year, the biggest jump in the rankings. It provides a sleek entry point to Riyadh, a burgeoning cultural hub in the Middle East. AirHelp noted the airport’s design, which blends heritage with future-forward ambition. Riyadh King Khaled International Airport also impressed with an 8.3 on-time score and an 8.8 for passenger satisfaction.

4. Brasilia International Airport, Brazil (8.47 points): Moving up one spot from last year, Brasilia International Airport offers a relaxed atmosphere, fitting for the city of Brasilia, known for its futuristic architecture and lush parks. The airport scored 8.6 for on-time performance, 8.3 for passenger satisfaction, and 8.2 for food and retail.

5. Muscat International Airport, Oman (8.47 points): Landing at Muscat International Airport is like uncovering a hidden gem, nestled between golden mountains and the deep blue Arabian Sea. Its stunning architecture, which consistently impresses visitors, contributed to its 8.8 passenger satisfaction score. The airport is the perfect starting point for journeys through Oman's deserts and secret beaches.

6. Panama City Tocumen International Airport, Panama (8.42 points): Tocumen International Airport climbed six spots from last year, making it the best airport in North America. Modern, efficient, and well-connected, it offers a seamless travel experience.

7. Durban King Shaka International Airport, South Africa (8.4 points): Making its debut in the top 10, Durban King Shaka International Airport boasts an impressive 8.9 on-time performance score, making it the world’s most punctual airport. A cool coastal atmosphere and hassle-free arrivals hall make it one of the most relaxing airports.

8. Salt Lake City International Airport, USA (8.29 points): Maintaining its position from last year, Salt Lake City International Airport is a state-of-the-art facility with views of the Rocky Mountains from the terminal. It’s an ideal departure point for nature lovers, with easy access to ski slopes, hiking trails, and national parks. Scoring above 8 in all categories, the airport provides a consistently smooth and satisfying passenger experience.

9. Bergen Flesland Airport, Norway (8.27 points): Jumping 16 places from last year, Bergen Flesland Airport offers a picturesque arrival experience. Fjords and forests surround this small, charming airport, featuring a cozy Scandinavian design. Efficient service, an 8.4 on-time performance score, and an 8.5 passenger satisfaction rating contribute to its high ranking.

10. Dammam King Fahd International Airport, Saudi Arabia (8.26 points): This airport climbed an astounding 73 places, the most significant improvement of the year. Serving as the gateway to Eastern Arabia, with its tranquil beaches, date farms, and vibrant local markets, the airport has improved its passenger flow, reduced wait times, and injected new energy into the travel experience, leading to its impressive rise from 83rd place to the top 10.

Hoai Anh (According to AirHelp)