The Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025 have unveiled the world’s leading airports, and once again, Singapore Changi Airport has soared to the top, regaining its position as the best airport in the world. This marks the 13th time Changi has held the coveted title, underscoring its consistent dedication to world-class service, innovation, and an unparalleled passenger experience.
Although no Indian airport made it to the global top 20, several Indian airports earned prestigious regional accolades, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise aviation infrastructure and improve service quality across key hubs.
Singapore Changi Reclaims the Crown
Often regarded as the gold standard in airport experience, Singapore Changi Airport is more than just a transit hub—it is a destination in itself. From the lush gardens and art installations to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the iconic Jewel complex, Changi continues to redefine what an airport can offer.
Its consistent focus on seamless connectivity, architectural elegance, entertainment options, and cleanliness makes it a favourite among international travellers. After a brief drop in rankings in the previous year, its return to the top spot in 2025 reaffirms Changi’s dominance in global aviation excellence.
Global Top 3: Doha and Tokyo Follow Close Behind
In the 2025 rankings, Hamad International Airport in Doha secured the second place, maintaining its reputation as a futuristic and luxurious airport with award-winning design and retail offerings. It was also named the World’s Best Airport for Shopping and the Best Airport in the Middle East.
Tokyo Haneda Airport claimed third place and was lauded for being the cleanest major airport in the world. It also won awards for Best Domestic Airport and for offering the Best Accessible Facilities, reinforcing Japan’s focus on inclusivity and high standards of hygiene and efficiency.
Other notable names in the top 10 included Incheon (South Korea), Narita (Japan), Hong Kong, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome Fiumicino, Munich, and Zurich Airports.
India’s Performance: A Strong Regional Presence
Though no Indian airport entered the global top 20, the Skytrax awards recognised India’s progress in South Asia. These achievements highlight improvements in customer satisfaction, staff service, regional connectivity, and airport infrastructure.
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
Delhi’s IGI Airport was named the Best Airport in India and South Asia, a title it has held multiple times in the past. With Terminal 3’s world-class facilities and a growing focus on sustainability, Delhi remains India’s top aviation hub, handling over 60 million passengers annually.
2. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Hyderabad was awarded for Best Airport Staff Service in India and South Asia, reflecting high standards in customer care, efficiency, and overall traveller experience. The airport is also renowned for its punctuality and tech-enabled operations.
3. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s KIA was named Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia. With the opening of the new Terminal 2—designed with a sustainable, garden-themed aesthetic—the airport is becoming a model for modern, green airports in India.
4. Manohar International Airport, Goa
One of India’s newest airports, Goa’s Manohar International Airport, received the award for Best Airport under 5 Million Passengers. Opened in late 2022, it has already gained praise for its design, passenger convenience, and potential as a gateway to one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
Full List: Top 20 Airports in the World for 2025
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Hamad International Airport, Doha
- Tokyo Haneda Airport
- Incheon International Airport, South Korea
- Narita International Airport, Tokyo
- Hong Kong International Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Rome Fiumicino Airport
- Munich Airport
- Zurich Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Istanbul Airport
- Vienna International Airport
- Melbourne Airport
- Chubu Centrair International Airport, Japan
- Copenhagen Airport
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Bahrain International Airport
How the Rankings Work
The Skytrax World Airport Awards are among the most prestigious benchmarks of airport excellence, based on independent customer satisfaction surveys. These surveys cover a wide range of performance indicators, including:
- Check-in and boarding processes
- Terminal cleanliness and layout
- Food and beverage offerings
- Staff friendliness and efficiency
- Baggage handling and immigration queues
- Access to lounges, rest areas, and public transport
The 2025 edition of the awards was based on millions of passenger surveys collected over a period of several months from more than 550 airports worldwide.
India’s Airport Evolution
India’s regional recognition in the Skytrax rankings reflects the broader transformation in the country’s aviation sector. With air travel rebounding strongly post-pandemic, airport authorities and private operators have accelerated investments in terminal expansions, digitisation, and customer-centric services.
Several new airports—including Navi Mumbai International Airport, Noida International Airport (Jewar), and expansion projects in Chennai and Pune—are currently underway and are expected to elevate India’s presence in global rankings in the coming years.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has also adopted green building standards and smart airport models to keep pace with global trends, targeting carbon neutrality and passenger satisfaction.
What This Means for Travellers
For domestic and international travellers, these developments mean:
- Improved connectivity between major cities and tourist destinations
- More efficient airport experiences with shorter queues and better services
- Higher safety and cleanliness standards, particularly post-COVID
- Access to world-class lounges, Wi-Fi, and shopping at India’s busiest airports
As Indian airports continue to modernise and adopt global best practices, travellers can expect smoother, more comfortable journeys across the board.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Skytrax Awards have once again showcased global excellence in airport infrastructure, with Singapore Changi leading the way in innovation and customer delight. For India, while global dominance is still a few years away, the regional victories are a strong indication of upward momentum and consistent improvements.
With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and a sharper focus on passenger experience, it may not be long before Indian airports begin to climb the global ladder—and secure their place among the world’s top 20.
As India’s aviation sector scales new heights, these recognitions serve as both a validation of progress and a motivation to reach further, setting the stage for the future of travel in and from India.
