Huge airport with 130-ft waterfall crowned world's best and UK doesn't come close

A new ranking has crowned the and the UK failed to crack the Top 20. Coming in at first place was the , marking the thirteenth time in the history of the awards that the airport has won the top honour.

The 2025 World Airport Awards was put together by Skytrax, the British airline services research company, and is the world’s largest customer airport satisfaction survey. The 2025 survey assessed customer service and facilities across 565 airports to create its ranking.

It is no surprise why continually ranks so highly among travellers. The airport’s impressive architecture, exceptional services and luxurious attractions have made it a landmark in its own right.

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The airport is home to a 10-story Jewel shopping mall that welcomes 80 million travellers in 2024. Other elements like the multiple indoor gardens - one of which includes a butterfly centre - and a 130-foot high Rain Vortex (the world’s largest indoor waterfall) add to the serene atmosphere that is not typically associated with airports and travel.

For travellers looking for a bit more adventure, there is also a , climbing wall and suspended trampoline. Spas, a cinema and art exhibitions also provide entertainment for more culturally inclined travellers.

The airport has become such a hotspot destination for tourists that it has introduced an early check-in service to allow passengers to drop their bags off up to 48 hours before their flight. This allows them to make time to explore the airport encumbered by luggage before jetting off.

Skytrax has also recognised Changi as a hub for culinary enthusiasts, winning the award for World’s Best Airport Dining. Changi also scooped up awards for the World’s Best Airport Washrooms and the Best Airport in Asia.

Changi clinching the first place spot dropped the , down to second place. The airport came in third place, moving up one ranking from the previous year.

Recognising the accolades, Mr. Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group said: “Changi Airport is honoured to be named by Skytrax as the World’s Best Airport for the 13th time. It is indeed gratifying to receive this recognition, and this certainly encourages us to continue to strive to provide the best travel experience.”

Weng continued: “We thank all our passengers for their vote of confidence. And we’re especially grateful to the Changi Airport community, whose unwavering commitment to service excellence has made this award possible. As air travel continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming passengers to experience the magic at Changi Airport.”

According to CNN Business, Changi is investing more than $2 billion in the next six years on the improvement of services and facilities. Work is also currently underway on a fifth terminal, which will open in the 2030s.

Top ten airports according to the Skytrax 2025 ranking

Singapore Changi

Doha Hamad

Tokya Haneda

Seoul Incheon

Tokyo Narita

Hong Kong

Paris CDG

Rome Fiumicino

Munich

Zurich