In a surprising turn in the global aviation landscape, Istanbul Airport has clinched the top position in the 2025 Travel + Leisure rankings, surpassing the long-reigning favorite, Singapore’s Changi Airport. The Turkish aviation hub was ranked number one in the list of the world’s top 10 airports, pushing Changi to the second spot—a significant shift for a facility often hailed as the gold standard in air travel.
Istanbul Airport, which began operations in 2018, has rapidly emerged as a global transit leader with its vast capacity, sleek architecture, and advanced passenger services. Recognized for handling millions of travelers annually with remarkable efficiency, the airport earned high praise in this year’s survey for its modern infrastructure, intuitive design, and ever-expanding global connectivity. The recognition marks a major milestone for Turkey’s aviation ambitions, affirming the airport’s status as a rising global powerhouse.
Singapore’s Changi Airport, once considered untouchable in its dominance, slipped to the second spot despite maintaining its impressive slate of attractions, including lush indoor gardens, a butterfly park, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and countless leisure amenities. While Changi continues to charm travelers with its blend of nature and innovation, the survey results suggest that newer airports with more cutting-edge transit and architectural solutions are gaining ground in passenger preference.
The Travel + Leisure “World’s Best” rankings are based on reader surveys that evaluate airports on multiple factors including overall cleanliness, layout, passenger experience, check-in and security procedures, shopping and dining options, and overall satisfaction. This year’s rankings reflect evolving traveler expectations and growing competition among global hubs that are investing heavily in both technology and comfort.
Joining Istanbul and Singapore in the top five are Seoul’s Incheon International Airport at third place, followed by Doha’s Hamad International Airport in fourth, and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at fifth. The remaining five airports in the top ten include Hong Kong International, Dubai International, Zurich Airport, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
Mumbai’s inclusion as the only Indian airport in the top ten list stands out as a notable achievement. Ranking ninth globally, it reflects India’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its aviation infrastructure and enhance international traveler experiences.
Istanbul Airport’s ascent underscores a broader shift in global air travel priorities, where functionality, scalability, and futuristic design are increasingly valued alongside traditional measures of service excellence. The airport boasts the capacity to serve over 90 million passengers annually, with seamless intercontinental links connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Changi is not standing still. With plans for the massive Terminal 5 project underway—which is expected to add capacity for an additional 50 million passengers annually by 2030—Changi aims to reclaim its crown through continued innovation and expansion.
The reshuffle at the top of the rankings signals a new era of competition among the world’s airports. Istanbul’s rise to number one not only reflects its impressive operational capabilities but also showcases Turkey’s ambition to be at the forefront of global aviation. As the race intensifies, the pressure mounts on established players like Changi to push the boundaries further and set new benchmarks in the years ahead.
