Singapore Guide: Changi Airport crowned world’s best airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport has regained its title as the world’s best airport after it lost its long-held position to Qatar for two years running during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prestigious accolade was handed out in the World Airport Awards, run by British airline and airport review site Skytrax.

In addition to being crowned the world’s best airport, Changi also received awards for the world’s best airport dining, best airport for leisure amenities, and best airport in Asia.

Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang said the airport was honoured to be named the world’s best airport for the 12th time.

“This recognition is great encouragement to our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of COVID-19 over the past two years,” he said.

“We thank them for their dedication to serve Changi’s passengers and the perseverance to keep Singapore connected to the world. To our passengers, we are deeply grateful for your vote of confidence. Your continued support encourages us to keep pursuing service excellence as we expand our offerings to redefine the Changi experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Changi Airport as we rediscover the magic of travel again.”

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport took the second-best spot on Skytrax’s list, followed by Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

The World Airport Awards began in 1999, when Skytrax launched its first global airport customer satisfaction survey.

Known for setting a quality benchmark for the world airport industry, the awards reflect the views of genuine airport customers.

Each year, respondents of more than 60 nationalities, including Australians, take part in a global customer satisfaction survey to assess facilities and customer service at more than 550 airports.

“This recognition for Changi Airport is from the airport customers and serves to underline the airport’s popularity with international air travellers,” Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said.

“Winning this award as the world’s best airport is a very clear recognition of the team effort amongst all staff at the airport who contributed to Changi Airport’s success.”

In 2022, Changi Airport commissioned an independent study to identify what travellers looked for in their airport experience.

For Australian travellers, findings revealed airport services, food and beverage offerings, and facilities and attractions were of the highest importance when it came to a seamless, memorable airport transit.

When it comes to leisure, dining and retail experiences, Changi has been adding to its growing range of offerings.

In addition to the nature-themed attractions of Jewel, the family-friendly experiences now include a rock-climbing attraction and a 16m-tall play structure called Chandelier. There’s also a 24-hour movie theatre which offers free movie screenings, and there’s a rooftop swimming pool and swim-up bar.

The airport is also ramping up its pop-up events to offer travellers exclusive promotions and world-first product launches, partnering with leading brands in fashion, beauty, food and beverages.

FAST FACTS: Changi Airport

• Changi Airport has four terminals with an annual handling capacity of 85 million passengers.
• Terminal 1 was opened in 1981 and upgraded in 2019 to connect seamlessly with Jewel Changi Airport. The refurbished terminal features a larger departure and arrival hall that has improved passenger flow and enhanced overall passenger experience.
• Terminal 2 opened in 1990 and is nearing the end of a four-year upgrade. Its new design was inspired by elements of nature, using natural materials and lush greenery to create a sense of calm for passengers and visitors. In 2020, the terminal began the upgrade to expand its capacity by 5m passengers a year. While parts of Terminal 2 have already reopened, the airport expects the project will reach its completion by 2024.
• Terminal 3 opened in 2008, featuring a unique roof design that allows soft light into the departure zone while keeping out the tropical heat.
• Terminal 4 is a compact terminal with a boutique feel. It opened in 2017 and features a fun, vibrant and positively surprising design theme that took inspiration from an orchid petal. The symmetrical petal motif is applied ubiquitously in many locations across the terminal.
• Jewel Changi Airport is right at the heart of Changi Airport. It opened in 2019, offering visitors a multi-faceted experience that includes attractions and unique shopping and dining concepts, as well as airport and accommodation facilities. The complex features the Rain Vortex, an impressive 40m tall waterfall, at its core.

Skytrax’s 20 best airports to travel through this year

1. Singapore Changi Airport
2. Hamad International Airport
3. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda)
4. Incheon International Airport
5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
6. Istanbul Airport
7. Munich Airport
8. Zurich Airport
9. Narita International Airport
10. Madrid-Barajas Airport
11. Vienna International Airport
12. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
13. Rome Fiumicino Airport
14. Copenhagen Airport
15. Kansai International Airport
16. Chubu Centrair International Airport
17. Dubai International Airport
18. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
19. Melbourne Airport
20. Vancouver International Airport