Singapore’s Changi International Airport takes the first spot for the fifth year in a row.
While it may not be the place we spend most of our time in when visiting a country, airports are an important point of contact that can form important impressions – especially if we have a flight layover.
Besides, nobody likes being stuck at the airport with nothing to do, or worse still, having to deal with a noisy crowd when what we really need is a cure from jetlag and fatigue.
Here’s what sets apart the airports on this list from mediocre ones – their wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options; user-friendly facilities and amenities; as well as efficient flight and passenger service that ensure a seamless travel experience.
We count down the top 10 airports in 2017, as voted by international air passengers in a global survey by Skytrax World Airport Awards, the most prestigious accolades for the airport industry.
Swipe left to see the top 10 winners.
#10 Frankfurt Airport, Germany
Previously ranked #12 on the list, Frankfurt manages to squeeze into the top 10 this year. Known as the 4th busiest airport in the world, it was commended for the ease of transport between terminals - one of which is exclusive to Lufthansa German Airlines.
London Heathrow Airport
Coming in at #9 this year, Heathrow's Terminal 5 also earned the title of the best terminal of the year by Skytrax. Being an international hub with frequent flight layovers, the airport provides an generous amount of comfortable lounges, including the Plaza Premium Lounge pictured above.
#8 Zurich Airport, Switzerland
Dropping one rank from last year, Zurich Airport is the main hub linking Switzerland's biggest city with the rest of the country. Fun fact: They even have bicycle and in-line skate rentals to keep the whole family occupied during a layover.
#7 Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya, Japan
Located just 22 miles south of Nagoya, the airport is also known as the Central Japan International Airport, and is awarded the best regional airport in the world.
#6 Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Described by Skytrax as "the most architecturally significant terminal complex in the world, as well as being the most luxurious", the Hamad International Airport has been rapidly moving up the list from #22 in 2015 and #10 last year.
#5 Hong Kong International Airport
While the Hong Kong International Airport may have bagged the no. 1 spot several times in the past, it maintains at #5 - the same as last year. Still walking away with the title of Best Airport for Dining this year, the airport also has a few interesting facilities including a simulated golf course and the Aviation Discovery Centre (pictured above).
#4 Munich Airport, Germany
The second German airport to make the list (although dropping a spot from last year), the Munich Airport boasts its own brewery, a mini-golf course and a skating rink in the winter.
#3 Incheon International Airport, Korea
Staying within the top 3 since 2013, the Incheon International Airport is known particularly for its plentiful options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Featuring a casino, a cultural museum and a spa and sauna, flight layovers will never be boring at this airport.
#2 Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan
Moving up two spots, this is the second Japanese airport to make the list and it also happens to be the 5th busiest airport in the world. Despite the crowd, the airport earns its rank from its friendly and efficient service, as well as its wide array of dining options.
#1 Changi International Airport, Singapore
Singapore's Changi International Airport takes the first sport for the fifth year in a row, but is that really a surprise though? Boasting impressive architecture, two movie theatres, a rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi (pictured above), a multimedia entertainment deck, indoor and outdoor gardens, spas as well as countless dining options, this airport is surely one that's hard to beat.