Qatar's Hamad International Airport Named World's Best, Surpassing Singapore's Changi

Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, has been named the world's best airport for 2024 by the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, surpassing Singapore's Changi Airport which had previously held the top spot for 12 years. This marks the third time Hamad International Airport has won the coveted title, having also claimed the honor in 2021 and 2022.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards are based on a global survey of airport customers conducted between August 2023 and March 2024, assessing various aspects of the airport experience across more than 570 airports worldwide.

Hamad International Airport's recognition is a testament to the dedication of its employees in delivering an exceptional passenger experience through innovative offerings and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

In addition to being named the world's best airport, Hamad International Airport also secured the titles of World's Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport in the Middle East. The airport's success can be attributed to its continuous investments in facilities, retail, and hospitality, including the introduction of unique spaces such as the Orchard, a 6,000 square meter indoor tropical garden, and the Souq Al Matar, a traditional Qatari market within the terminal.

Why this matters: Hamad International Airport's rise to the top of the global airport rankings highlights the increasing prominence and influence of Middle Eastern aviation hubs in the international travel landscape. The airport's success also emphasizes the importance of investing in innovative passenger experiences and infrastructure to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation industry.

Singapore's Changi Airport, which had dominated the top spot for over a decade, was named the second-best airport and recognized as the Best Airport in Asia and Best Airport for Immigration Services. Incheon International Airport in South Korea secured the third position and was voted the world's most family-friendly airport.

Other notable winners include Tokyo's Haneda Airport, which was named the World's Cleanest Airport and the Best Airport for Passengers with Reduced Mobility, and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which claimed the title of Best Airport in Europe. The Skytrax World Airport Awards also recognized the achievements of airports in various regions and categories, highlighting the strong performance of airports across Asia, Europe, and North America in providing high-quality services and facilities for travelers.

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Hamad International Airport, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, "This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our airport's team and partners in providing our passengers with the finest travel experience. As we celebrate our 10th year of operations, we remain committed to delivering excellence and pioneering new standards in the aviation industry."

Key Takeaways

• Hamad International Airport named world's best airport for 2024.
• Surpassed Singapore's Changi Airport, which held top spot for 12 years.
• Also won World's Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport in Middle East.
• Highlights rising prominence of Middle Eastern aviation hubs globally.
• Changi Airport ranked 2nd, Incheon 3rd as world's most family-friendly.