2025 AirHelp Score: worst 10 airports in the world

Every airport tells a story. Some feel like a welcome embrace after a long journey. Others? Not so much.

Each year, we collect feedback from real travelers across the globe, looking at how people rate their airport experience, how often flights run on time, and how strong the selection of restaurants and shops is. And while the top-ranking airports dazzle with their efficiency and ease, this list shines a light on the airports that have fallen behind.

That doesn’t mean these places are hopeless — far from it. Many are beloved destinations served by airports that simply haven’t kept up with rising demand. But when terminals get too crowded, flights keep getting delayed, or the basics are missing, passengers notice.

So, with a deep breath and a fair outlook, here are the 10 lowest-ranking airports — and what real travelers are saying about them.

Score 6.76/10

Kicking off our countdown at #10 is Sharm el-Sheikh — a city famous for its coral reefs and all-inclusive escapes. The airport itself is a mixed bag. On one hand, travelers appreciate the friendly staff and the sense of order in the terminal. It feels easy to get around, and the process — for many — is straightforward.

So why is it here? With only 64% of flights departing on-time, delays remain the airport’s Achilles’ heel. But unlike others on this list, Sharm el-Sheikh’s overall satisfaction score is higher — a sign that with better scheduling, this airport could easily rise in the ranks.

Score 6.71/10

Nội Bài is a hub with serious ambition. As Vietnam’s travel industry surges, the airport has been modernizing steadily, adding terminals and improving services. Many travelers appreciate the layout, the ease of domestic transfers, and a growing list of amenities.

But in 2025, those efforts were overshadowed by mounting delays. With the skies busier than ever, efficiency is under strain, and it shows in the data. Still, among the lowest-ranked airports, Nội Bài feels like one with momentum — a strong contender for redemption in future rankings? Hopefully!

Score 6.64/10

Dalaman is a paradox. Travelers often speak highly of its spacious, modern design and excellent dining options. In fact, for an airport at the bottom of the rankings, it scores well in several areas — especially for restaurants & shops, earning a solid 7.8/10. Good food always wins points. 👩‍🍳🤌😘

The catch? Time. Specifically, how much of it is spent in queues or waiting on delayed flights. Dalaman, like several other summer-centric airports, gets overwhelmed during tourist season. If the punctuality puzzle can be solved, this airport could quickly climb the rankings.

Score 6.53/10

It’s hard not to love Lisbon — but the airport experience can test even the most patient traveler. While many enjoy the food options and central location, there’s no hiding the frustration when delays stack up and terminals feel overrun.

Lisbon’s airport has grown faster than its footprint. And while staff are praised for their professionalism and the city’s charm carries through the design, many say the infrastructure simply isn’t built to handle today’s traffic. Expansion plans have been on the table for years. Until those become reality, Humberto Delgado will remain a sore spot on many otherwise perfect Portuguese holidays.

Score 6.52/10

Antalya Airport knows tourism like few others — it serves millions of travelers heading to Turkey’s coast each year. And it does some things well: terminals are clean, signage is clear, and the layout feels modern. It scores a stellar 7.7/10 in the customer rating for restaurants and shops.

But with great popularity comes great pressure. Delays stack up during the summer rush, and many travelers report bottlenecks at check-in and passport control. A common theme is a sense that the airport works best in low season, but struggles when the crowds arrive. Still, if the right investments are made, Antalya has the bones to be something much better.

Score 6.42/10

Hurghada offers travelers a smooth connection to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts — but the airport itself struggles to deliver a consistently good experience. Reviewers describe a no-frills environment where basic services are present, but not always polished. Delays are a sticking point, especially for European charter flights during high season.

That said, recent improvements have not gone unnoticed. Several reviewers praise the layout and signage, and the experience tends to be fairly straightforward once you’re inside. With a bit more attention to flight reliability, Hurghada could become a far more pleasant entry point to one of Egypt’s top destinations.

Score 6.32/10

Crete is known for its ancient ruins, turquoise waters, and famously warm hospitality. Heraklion Airport… less so. During the busy summer season, it often buckles under the pressure of thousands of incoming holidaymakers. The terminal feels cramped, queues move slowly, and passengers frequently comment on a sense of general disarray. One traveler went as far to say that it sometimes seemed like it “doesn’t have a layout with users in mind.” Perhaps this is why the airport only scores 6.7/10 for Customer Opinion.

However, to its credit, staff do what they can, often with smiles and genuine warmth. And the good news? A brand-new airport is under construction and set to open in the coming years — something many frequent flyers say can’t come soon enough.

Score 6.21/10

Once seen as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising airports, SGN saw a sharp drop in this year’s ranking. It’s possible that rapid growth in travel demand might have outstripped the airport’s ability to cope. Flight delays are quite common (only 61% of flights leave on-time), and reviewers revealed how there were “long waiting times during passport checks” and it ultimately “seemed too chaotic.”

Yet the airport remains a vital hub for both domestic and international travel. Staff are generally courteous, and the airport’s location makes it a crucial link for Vietnam’s booming economy. Big plans are in motion for a new international airport nearby — and travelers are hoping this transforms the experience of visiting this truly vibrant city.

Score 6.05/10

Arriving in Rhodes should feel like the beginning of a dream holiday — but too often, the airport is a source of frustration rather than joy. Travelers talk about slow check-ins, crowded halls, and the general sense that the infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the island’s popularity.

Still, there’s something undeniably likeable about Diagoras Airport. It’s small, easy to navigate, and set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean. With a bit more investment and an eye on reliability, this could be one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems. Until then, the experience tends to leave travelers feeling a little sunburned in spirit.

Score 5.73/10

As the lowest-ranked airport this year, Tunis Carthage leaves many travelers feeling weary. Delays are frequent (only 54% of flights depart on-time), and reviewers suggest that the airport often struggles under the weight of peak traffic. Travelers commonly mention long queues, limited facilities, and a lack of clear information. Yet this isn’t the full picture.

Tunis Carthage is a gateway to a country rich in history, hospitality, and sun. Some travelers report better experiences — notably improvements in border control and wayfinding — and there’s hope that a more ambitious vision for the airport could bring about real change. For now, though, it's a hub that doesn't quite meet the expectations of the modern traveler.

These rankings aren’t about shaming airports — they’re about listening to passengers. Travel is stressful enough without confusing terminals, crowded lounges, or endless delays. But it’s not all bad news. Many of the airports listed here are already making changes, upgrading systems, and planning for the future.

And that’s something we all want to see. Because when airports work, they become part of the journey — not just a place we try to forget.

Want to cleanse your travel palate?

Check out the 10 best airports in the world — the ones that actually get it right. ✨

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