The 10 Most Luxurious Airports in the World
A central hub in Asia, Singapore Changi Airport had more than 54.1 million passengers flowing through last year, the most in its 33-year history. It was voted as the No. 1 airport in the world for the third consecutive year in the 2015 World Airport Awards, based on performance indicators such as check-in, arrivals, transfers and shopping facilities. (It was also voted the best airport for leisure activities.) Over 100 airlines operate at Changi, which offers various amenities for travelers of all ages, including hotels, spas, themed gardens, a swimming pool and a four-story slide for the kids along with heritage zones bearing facades of old Peranakan houses. The airport recently partnered with retailers to renovate and upgrade its luxury shopping services for travelers. A new Terminal 4 will open in 2017. Expect to see a 130-foot waterfall in the Jewel complex in 2018.
Located on an island right outside Seoul, the South Korean capital, Incheon International Airport ranks as the second best airport in the world, according to Skytrax, a U.K. consultancy that reviews and rates airports. Incheon is the largest duty-free shopping destination in the world, accounting for $2 billion in revenue last year. The site of the first Louis Vuitton duty-free store, Incheon also hosts cultural performances, live music, an artifact-filled museum, gardens, a spa and an ice rink called the Ice Forest.
Another five-star airport, as rated by Skytrax, Munich is the second busiest airport in Germany. It boasts numerous entertainment and technological amenities, including the Airbräu Biergarten, the largest roofed-in beer garden, as well as an on-site brewery and the Holland Casino. Afterwards hoisting a drink, you can nap in one of the sleeping pods, play a round of golf at the mini course or visit a Bavarian pastry shop. The airport plans to open a new satellite terminal in April 2016. Munich Airport handled 39.7 million passengers in 2014, and is Europe’s seventh busiest airport, according to Air Transport World.
Built at a cost of $6.4 billion, Hong Kong International Airport accommodates more than 63 million passengers a year. The airport is undergoing massive transformations, which led to the recent closing of its nine-hole golf course. In its place, luxury shopping and hotel amenities will be incorporated. In the meantime you can watch a movie in the IMAX theater or check out the rooftop SkyDeck.
One of the cleanest airports in the world, according to the World Airport Survey, Tokyo offers duty-free shopping and a market with rows of restaurants to choose from, as is only appropriate for a country that also holds the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The airport will reportedly be adding some new staff this September, welcoming 11 robots to help with travelers’ needs.
The largest airport in Switzerland is also the healthiest airport in the world. The airport offers sports amenities, including a fitness center, bicycles and inline skates for all ages. Self-service check-ins, rooftop terraces and an underground Skymetro help make the place more pleasant. You also can take a shower or nap at the Transit Hotel.
Flickr/Mochael Cochlan
Located on a man-made island, this is one of the smaller airports in Japan, but it still handles over 15 million passengers a year. Also known as Chubu Airport, it includes a selection of Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants; duty-free shops; and spas.
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Heathrow has consistently been ranked among the 10 best airports in the world. It offers various duty-free shopping and dining opportunities, including 105 restaurants, several headed by celebrity chefs. You can also arrange for a personal shopping service or get one of the eateries to pack you a picnic meal for your flight. The airport handles over 73 million passengers a year. Terminal 5, which was built in 2008, is the largest free-standing building in the U.K.
Flickr/Jamielondonboy
Not content to rest on its laurels, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is renovating its Departure Lounge 2, which is set to be completed this summer. Six themed sections, including luxury shopping, health and family activities, will be added to go with the existing museum annex and the airport library. Travelers can look forward to a five-star Hilton opening by year’s end. According to CNN, the airport will also open a Johnnie Walker House luxury retail concept store and, naturally, a Heineken bar.
Flickr/Toyohara
This oasis in the United Arab Emirates has duty-free shopping to rival Heathrow’s—you can buy electronics, gold and much, much more. Too tired to shop? Go for a dip in the Dubai International Hotel’s swimming pool, stroll in a Zen garden or take a siesta in one of the SnoozeCubes.
Flickr/Gadha