Changi Airport crowned world’s best for record 13th time

[SINGAPORE] Changi Airport has been awarded the world's finest airport in 2025 by London-based aviation consultancy Skytrax, recovering the title from Qatar's Hamad International Airport, which took the top spot in 2024. It marks the 13th time it has won the top slot, setting a record since the awards began in 2000.

Changi Airport also won the titles of Best Airport in Asia, Best Airport that serves 60 million to 70 million passengers, Best Airport Dining Experience, and World's Best Airport Washrooms during an event held in Madrid, Spain on April 9.

The recognition of Changi’s washrooms highlights the airport’s meticulous attention to detail in passenger comfort. Over the years, the airport has invested in high-tech amenities such as touchless faucets, real-time cleanliness monitoring systems, and even ambient scent diffusers to enhance the overall experience. This focus on hygiene and convenience has set a benchmark for airports worldwide.

Hamad International Airport came in second, with Japan's Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) third, South Korea's Incheon International Airport fourth, and Japan's Narita International Airport fifth.

Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport won both the World's Best Airport Hotel and the Best Airport Hotel in Asia accolades. This is the tenth consecutive year that the hotel at Changi Airport Terminal 3 has earned these awards.

The hotel’s consistent dominance in the awards is attributed to its seamless connectivity to the terminal, luxury amenities, and bespoke services tailored for transit passengers. Features like soundproofed rooms, a rooftop pool with runway views, and round-the-clock dining options cater to the needs of global travelers, reinforcing Changi’s reputation as a hub of hospitality excellence.

The honors were based on Skytrax's global survey. Between August 2024 and February 2025, almost 13 million airport users from more than 100 countries took part in the poll. Travelers were asked to rank airports based on their experiences at several points, including check-in, arrival, transfer, shopping, security, immigration, and departure at the gate.

Industry analysts note that Changi’s success stems from its ability to balance operational efficiency with passenger-centric innovations. Recent upgrades, such as automated baggage handling systems and expanded biometric clearance lanes, have significantly reduced wait times, while leisure attractions like the Jewel Changi’s indoor waterfall and canopy park continue to draw praise from travelers.

Changi Airport has been crowned the world's greatest airport 13 years in a row, a "great achievement" according to Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted. He concluded with the following: "With washrooms being a major driver of customer satisfaction during their airport experience, we congratulate Singapore Changi Airport on receiving the first-ever world's best airport washrooms award."

Changi Airport Group (CAG) CEO Yam Kum Weng remarked, "It is quite great to earn this accolade, and it surely motivates us to continue striving to give the best travel experience. We appreciate all of our passengers' votes of trust."

Changi Airport now has 697 awards, making it the most honored airport in the world, according to CAG. Skytrax conducted its first worldwide airport customer satisfaction survey in 1999 and the inaugural World Airport Awards in 2000.

Changi Airport was the first to win the world's finest airport award, and it also holds the longest winning streak, holding the title for eight years in a row from 2013 until 2020. In 2021 and 2022, it trailed Hamad International Airport and Haneda Airport, respectively. Changi Airport recovered the crown in 2023, but finished second to Hamad International Airport in 2024.

Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passengers in 2024, barely short of the record 68.3 million set in 2019. This was a 14.8% rise from 2023, bringing passenger volume close to pre-Covid-19 levels. The officials anticipate that the airport will handle more people in 2025 than it did prior to the pandemic.

CAG said that the airport will welcome 28 new brands and concepts in 2024, including Asia's first Heineken World Bar and Victoria's Secret's first beauty and lingerie concept store in Asia travel retail. Changi Airport previously unveiled the Fit&Fun Zone in Terminal 2, a wellness zone meant to help passengers battle travel fatigue.