🏆 2025 AirHelp Score winners: best 10 airports in the world

Let’s be honest — airports don’t always have the best reputation. But these ones? These are the rare gems that get it right. The ones that make you say “actually, I don’t mind hanging out here for a few hours.” The ones that make the start or end of your trip feel just as exciting as the main event.

From fjords to deserts, golden beaches to city skylines, these airports prove that travel can still feel smooth, enjoyable, and even a little magical.

Let’s count them down…

Final score: 8.26 | ▲ Up 73 spots

From 83rd to 10th in one year? Dammam clearly understood the assignment.

This is a bold, beautiful entry point to Saudi’s Eastern Province — home to serene beaches, date farms, and vibrant local souqs. And the airport? One of this year’s success stories. Think shorter lines, better flow, and a whole new energy.

An airport that says: "We’ve arrived." 🎯🌅

Final score: 8.27 | ▲ Up 16 spots

If you’ve ever wanted to fly into a postcard, this is the airport for you. Nestled between fjords and forests, Bergen’s airport is small, charming, and ridiculously scenic.

It’s also your gateway to Norway’s epic coastline — cruises, hikes, waterfalls, and Viking vibes await. And thanks to the airport’s fast service and cosy Scandi design, the journey is as smooth as a glacier lake.

On-time performance? A frosty-cool 8.4/10. That means 84% of flights departed on-time. Passenger satisfaction? 8.5. For an airport this size, we think that’s pretty heroic.

Final score: 8.29 | ➖ No change

America’s top performer holds steady at #8 — and with those Rocky Mountain views from the terminal, we can’t argue.

Salt Lake City is a dream for outdoorsy types: ski slopes in winter, hiking trails in summer, and national parks just a road trip away. The airport itself is clean, easy to navigate, and surprisingly stylish.

This is what happens when an airport scores 8+ across the board: clean, calm, and consistently on time. It’s the all-rounder of air travel — smooth flying with fry sauce on the side.

Final score: 8.40 | 🆕 New entry!

First time in the top 10, and we’re delighted to see it. Durban’s King Shaka is officially the world’s most punctual airport — but it’s also the start of something special.

A traveller summed it up best: “I love the local flavor reminding me of home, but at the same time it's international and trendy with the latest technology.” That blend of warmth and modernity has helped Durban rocket into the rankings.

Add a cool coastal breeze and a hassle-free arrivals hall, and it’s basically the chillest airport on earth.

Land. Grab a bunny chow. Hit the beach. 🏄‍♀️🌞

Final score: 8.42 | ▲ Up 6 spots

Welcome to the crossroads of the Americas. ✈️🌎 Panama’s main airport has been steadily climbing the ranks — and now it’s officially the best airport in North America.

PTY is smooth, modern, and incredibly well-connected — whether you’re off to the jungle, the city, or island-hopping through the Caribbean.

Final score: 8.47 | ▲ Up 2 spots

Flying into Muscat feels like discovering a hidden gem. With golden mountains on one side and the deep blue Arabian Sea on the other, Oman is every bit the quiet stunner — and the airport rolls out the red carpet with calm, not chaos.

This year, travellers were full of praise — calling it “luxurious” and even “extravagant.” And it lives up to the hype, with stunning architecture, an 8.8 customer satisfaction score, one of the highest ratings in the top 10.

Whether you're road-tripping through deserts or unwinding on secret beaches, MCT gets your trip off to a graceful, unhurried start.

Final score: 8.47 | ▲ Up 1 spot

If you’re chasing blue skies, a caipirinha, and a whole lot of bossa nova, Brasília’s airport has you covered.

This underrated Brazilian city is full of futuristic architecture and lush parkland — and its airport delivers the same kind of chilled-out, open-space vibe. Whether you’re off to explore the Amazon or just grabbing a pastel de nata between flights, BSB sets the tone for a colourful, no-stress South American escape.

On-time performance? 8.6. Passenger opinion? 8.3. Shops and dining? 8.2. It's not just beautiful — it’s functional too.

Final score: 8.47 | ▲ Up 1 spot

Biggest leap of the year? Riyadh, hands down.

This airport shot up 30 places to land in the global top three — and if you’ve flown in recently, you’ll understand why. It's the polished, welcoming first step into a city that’s fast becoming the Middle East’s cultural dark horse.

The vibe? Camels one minute, concept cars the next. A mix of deep-rooted heritage and futuristic ambition — and with an 8.3 for punctuality and 8.8 for customer satisfaction, the numbers back it up.

Final score: 8.52 | ▼ Down 1 spot

Last year’s winner still holds strong at #2 — and it’s not hard to see why.

If airports could strut, Hamad would do it in couture. Sleek, stylish, and packed with gold-plated everything, this Qatari marvel is like checking into a luxury hotel that happens to have planes.

More than just a stopover, it’s the gateway to Doha — a city that blends futuristic skyscrapers with old souqs and desert escapes. And with the orchid garden, art installations, and designer boutiques, you might forget you’re at an airport at all.

It leads the pack in restaurants and shops with an 9.0, and customers keep coming back — not just for the flights, but for the experience.

Final score: 8.57 | ▲ Up 1 spot

This year’s global champion is none other than Cape Town International Airport! 🏆

And honestly, how could it not be? Touching down here feels like arriving on the edge of the world — with Table Mountain towering in the distance, vineyards waiting just beyond the city, and penguins (yes, penguins) hanging out at the beach.

The airport itself? Friendly, smooth, and stress-free — exactly the kind of welcome you want before a South African adventure. One passenger put it best: “THIS ONE HITS DIFFERENT.”

And it really does — topping the charts with an 8.7 in customer opinion and one of the highest ease-of-travel scores we’ve seen all year.

✈️ Africa and the Middle East are dominating — with 6 airports in the global top 10, this region is soaring.

✈️ Latin America shines bright – Brasília and Panama are redefining what travellers expect.

✈️ Smaller airports, big impact – Durban, Bergen, and Muscat prove that size isn’t everything.

✈️ This year’s biggest winners – Dammam (+73) and Riyadh (+30) both took giant leaps — clearly, the travel scene is shifting.

So here’s to the airports that don’t make us cry into our overpriced sandwiches.

The ones that lift the mood, speed us on our way, and remind us that travel can still feel a little bit magical.

May your gate be close, your coffee be strong, and your journey feel like part of the adventure.

The free-to-use AirHelp app keeps you one step ahead with real-time flight updates, airport tips, and help claiming compensation if your trip hits a snag.

📲 Download it before your next adventure.

Take a look at the 10 worst airports of 2025 — and count your blessings. 😅