25 Most Luxurious Airports From All Around The World
Mia Fernandez Quick Links
Traveling is so much fun—you get to see new places, meet new people, try new foods, and have adventures that you could never experience back home. However, there is one aspect of traveling that everyone just seems to hate—flying! We all know that flying can be an unpleasant experience. You’re stuck sitting in the airport for a couple hours before your flight even takes off, you’re crammed into a tiny seat with no leg room for hours, and your only option if you get hungry is, well, airplane food. It’s not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.
But some airports are really stepping their game up and taking things to the next level. Imagine if waiting at the airport didn’t have to be an exercise in boredom. What if you could relax somewhere luxurious, enjoy a truly delicious meal, and even take a shower, stroll through some beautiful gardens, or go for a swim while you waited for your flight? Suddenly going to the airport would be one of the best parts of the trip! If you want that type of experience, plan your next layover wisely. Here are 25 of the most luxurious airports around the world.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, The Netherlands
Via klm.com
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is so nice that people will swing by just to go shopping—even if they don’t have a flight! This airport is known around the world for being one of the best duty-free shopping destinations for travelers. According to Money, Inc., the airport even has a nice library inside where passengers can relax and read a good book before their flight! This airport just gives you one more reason to book a trip to Amsterdam someday.
Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Via expedia.com
Did you know that Zurich Airport in Switzerland is not only one of the most luxurious airports the world, it’s also known as the “healthiest” airport? According to The Fiscal Times, the Zurich Airport makes it easy for passengers to keep up with their fitness routines while traveling! They have a fitness center so you can squeeze in a workout on your long layover. Not to mention that this airport is sleek and beautiful—you’ll feel like you’re traveling in style!
Hong Kong International Airport, China
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According to the Independent, Hong Kong’s airport is a major trade hub, and it has become one of the busiest airports in Asia. And every year, millions of travels get to relax in this luxurious atmosphere before taking off to explore the world. Fun fact about this airport: it was actually built on an artificial island off the coast of Hong Kong. Oh, and did we mention that Terminal 2 even has a golf course? Say goodbye to boring layovers!
Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan
Via flickr.com
If you already wanted to travel to Japan (who doesn’t?), you may be totally ready to book a ticket after hearing about the Tokyo Haneda International Airport. According to Money, Inc., anyone who wants to travel in the lap of luxury should consider making this airport their first stop on any adventures to Asia. It even has a six story shopping mall inside! Can you say duty-free shopping spree? It is also known for being very efficient and clean.
Dubai International Airport, UAE
Via asiaone.com
When it comes to luxury, no one does it better than Dubai—and their international airport does not disappoint. At Dubai International Airport, every passenger gets a taste of true glamour for a few hours. Do you want to go for a dip in a swimming pool? Go shopping for the best electronics on the market or fancy jewelry? Take a short nap in a private bed? According to The Fiscal Times, you can do all that and more at this airport.
Hamad International Airport, Qatar
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Clearly, airports in the Gulf countries are all about luxury! Hamad International Airport in Qatar is the perfect example. According to the Independent, this airport only opened in 2014, and its modern design and outstanding amenities make it one of the best airports on earth. And like a few other amazing airports on this list, you can also hit the pool while you wait for your flight! Qatar may be an unlikely tourist destination, but their airport is top notch.
Incheon International Airport, South Korea
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South Korea is a beautiful country—and they have one of the world’s most beautiful airports to match! This airport is consistently ranked as one of the best airports year after year—according to the Spectator, they often rank number one for best passenger experience! You can go to the spa and relax in the sauna, book a private room to take a nap, enjoy the world’s best duty-free luxury shopping, and even spend an hour on the ice rink!
Brisbane Airport, Australia
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Want to visit Australia someday? Go for it! And maybe plan it out so that you fly in and out of Brisbane Airport. Brisbane is such a cool, relaxed airport—it feels like you could hang out there even if you weren’t flying anywhere! According to Money, Inc., it has a bright, clean, spacious interior, and it consistently ranks very high every year for both appearance and customer satisfaction. It gives off a chill, beach vibe—truly perfect for Australia!
Vancouver International Airport, Canada
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Vancouver International Airport is definitely one of the nicest airports in North America—according to the Independent, it has actually won awards for being the best airport in North America eight times! Well, that’s enough for us to see that this airport is truly luxurious. One of the coolest things about this airport is the local art that is shown all around the terminals. There are also lovely gardens and even small fishtanks throughout the airport to spruce it up.
Munich Airport, Germany
Via skytrax.com
Germany is known for being clean, organized, and efficient—and the airports are no different! Take Munich Airport, for instance. This airport just might be the nicest airport in Germany, and one of the most luxurious in the world. According to the Spectator, the holiday season is the best time to fly through—you can see the Christmas trees all lit up, you can visit the cozy, colorful markets, and you can even go ice skating on the giant rink!
Copenhagen Airport, Denmark
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Denmark is such an adorable country, and the Danish take pride in being super welcoming—so naturally, their main airport in Copenhagen is one of the best airports in Europe. According to Money, Inc., Copenhagen Airport is known for being super efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. The architecture has a touch of sleek Scandinavian design. They also have some of the best airport dining that you could ever experience, with nearly 30 delicious restaurants for passengers to try out.
Kansai International Airport, Japan
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Japan makes it on to our list again! They outdid themselves—they are home to not one, but two of the most luxurious airports in the world. Japan's Kansai International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, but according to Money, Inc., one of its coolest features is actually located outside the airport. They have a sky deck where everyone can sit outside and watch the planes land and take off while they wait for their flights!
London Heathrow Airport, England
Via skytrax.com
If you’ve ever been to Europe, there is a good chance that you have had a layover at London Heathrow! This is a massive airport, but they do not skimp on quality at Heathrow, despite handling countless passengers every day. According to the Telegraph, Heathrow’s Terminal 5 has been voted one of the nicest terminals in any airport! They have several gorgeous lounges, all the duty-free shopping your heart could want, and airport food that you’ll actually want to eat.
Queen Alia International Airport, Jordan
Via skytrax.com
Well, this airport IS named after a queen, so there’s no way that the designers could slack off when it came to luxury. Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan is practically unmatched in terms of glamour. According to World Travel Guide, this airport has several amazing lounges as well as a spa. And just look at the architecture—the aesthetics just cannot be beat. The nation of Jordan clearly wants to give all of its visitors a good first impression!
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan
Via evaairways.com
Taiwan’s major international airport is a serious contender for one of the nicest airports in the world. Seriously, just look at the futuristic design—you might fly in and then decide that you just don’t want to leave! According to Wikivoyage, there is a “transit hotel” (a.k.a. a nice place to take a nap) within the airport itself, and there are also free showers available to all passengers. Now you can arrive at your destination feeling clean and fresh!
Muscat International Airport, Oman
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As we mentioned earlier, it seems like all of the Gulf countries are competing to have the most luxurious airports—and any one of them could be the winner! Next up from the Gulf region is Muscat International Airport in Oman. According to Gulf News, the airport has just undergone a massive expansion—there are now technically two airports, and both are super glamorous. There are busses and trains to take you to your gate, and it was designed to be eco-friendly!
Helsinki Airport, Finland
Via skytrax.com
You may not think of Finland as a hip travel destination, but trust us, you’ll want to give it a chance—especially once you hear how nice the Helsinki Airport is! According to Money, Inc., it has been voted the nicest airport in Europe. And while it’s already amazing, it’s going to get even better—the airport is planning for two major expansions over the next few years, so expect more shopping, more restaurants, and more lounges just for relaxing!
Abu Dhabi International Airport, UAE
Via alemco.com
You’re probably not surprised to see another airport from the UAE make an appearance on this list! When it comes to Abu Dhabi’s International Airport, you truly have to see it to believe it! Seriously, this airport just might be the height of luxury—it’s one of the few airports that could give Dubai a run for its money. According to Gulf News, it is currently being renovated, and even more private sleep rooms and lounges are being added for passengers.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand
Via flickr.com
Thailand is such a hot travel destination right now—just one look at Instagram and you’ll probably see countless travel photographers hanging out on Thai beaches! So who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself flying into Suvarnabhumi Airport too enough if you’re lucky. According to Wikivoyage, it is one of the biggest airports in the world, and while the amenities aren’t too fancy, the touches of Thai design and artwork all over the terminals are what makes it so special overall.
Auckland Airport, New Zealand
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New Zealand Is another destination that is only getting more and more popular these days. If you have ever daydreamed about exploring this beautiful country, now is the time! If you do book a trip, chances are you’ll be flying into Auckland Airport, the biggest airport in New Zealand and the nicest. According to Stuff New Zealand, the airport is currently undergoing a major renovation, and when it’s all said and done, it’s going to look better than ever before.
Keflavik International Airport, Iceland
Via designweek.com
What’s the best part of Iceland’s small international airport? Well, the location, for one—landing at Keflavik International Airport feels like landing on the moon because of Iceland’s unique landscape! According to The Points Guy, Keflavik has won awards for being one of the best airports in Europe—what else makes it so great? The food! This airport has so many delicious local options and healthy meals available to travelers—and it does not taste like “airport food” at all!
Hamburg Airport, Germany
Via wikimedia.com
Another German airport makes it on to the list! According to International Airport Review, the Hamburg Airport is making major strides when it comes to customer service. They are testing out a new “gate delivery service,” which means that passengers can order food to their gates! No more running around the airport looking for somewhere you can grab a quick burrito. The airy, spacious interior is another plus—you won’t feel like you’re cramped or stuck in a crowd at all.
Denver International Airport, Colorado
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You may have heard about Denver International Airport before—it’s known for the crazy artwork displayed around the airport and the unique statues outside. They’re also known for the awesome dining options. But beyond all that, this airport is one of the nicest in America. According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, the airport is going through a major expansion to add about 40 more gates. Now you’ll have even more opportunities to fly through and check it out for yourself!
Beijing Capital International Airport, China
Via wikimedia.com
As a nation, China has been making serious strides over the past two decades—naturally, it only makes sense that their airports would be luxurious. Beijing Capital International Airport is now known as one of the most glamorous airports in Asia. This airport is massive, and according to Way to Go, the interior design is outstanding. Just look at the beautiful fountain above! There are gardens and fountains all throughout the airport—you can even feed the fish in the ponds!
Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
Via wikimedia.com
Singapore’s Changi Airport is the undisputed queen of all luxurious airports. According to the Spectator, the airport has two 24-hour free movie theaters, a waterfall, gaming consoles, a butterfly garden, and, of course, high-end duty free shopping. Furthermore, the staff also offers free tours of Singapore for passengers with a layover longer than six hours. This airport is the picture of glamour. Sounds like you could just stay at the airport for your whole trip and be totally entertained!
References: moneyinc.com, thefiscaltimes.com, independent.co.uk, spectator.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, worldtravelguide.com, wikivoyage.com, gulfnews.com, stuff.co.nz, thepointsguy.com, internationalairportreview.com, coloradospringsgazette.com, waytogo.com
