Top-Rated Airports Globally - Skytrax Assessment
In the latest Skytrax World Airport Awards, Japanese airports have demonstrated strong performances in specific areas, but have not dominated the top overall airport rankings.
The coveted title of the "World's Best Airport" for 2025 went to Singapore Changi Airport for the 13th time, also winning several specialty categories such as best dining, best washrooms, and best airport in Asia. However, Japanese airports did not top these overall awards.
Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda airports were recognised for their strong Wi-Fi connectivity, each scoring 4.15, showcasing Japan's high standards in airport digital infrastructure. Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya has been named the world's best regional airport for 11 consecutive years through 2025, reflecting consistent excellence and resilience against environmental challenges compared to other Japanese airports.
However, Kansai International Airport faces significant challenges due to sinking subsidence on its artificial island foundation. This notable issue is being closely monitored by critics and engineers, but the airport remains operational.
Japanese airlines such as ANA (All Nippon Airways) rank highly for cleanliness, coming in second in the world's cleanest airlines, but Japanese airports themselves do not appear among the top overall global winners in the current Skytrax World Airport Awards. Instead, regional strength in certain aspects like Wi-Fi and regional service resilience is acknowledged.
Airports play a significant role in the first impression of a country. Singapore Changi Airport was named the "Best Airport in the World" for the 11th time and 8th year in a row in 2020. Tokyo Haneda Airport maintained its position as the second-best airport in 2020, retaining its position from the previous year. Kansai Airport in Osaka and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, both in Japan, entered the top list in 2020.
Other notable awards include Paris Orly Airport being named the "World's Most Improved Airport" in 2020, and London Heathrow Airport being recognised for its world's best airport shopping. Hong Kong Airport won the World's Best Airport immigration service award, while Zurich Airport was awarded as the "World's Best Airport Security Processing". The Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport was named the "World's Best Airport Hotel", and Houston Airports System was awarded as the "World's Best Website & Digital Services".
Skytrax, a respected institution, rates airports annually based on passenger experience. Airports host millions of passengers with thousands of employees, and provide essential services such as immigration, security, shopping, and leisure amenities. The awards serve as an important benchmark for airports to improve their services and provide a better experience for passengers.
In conclusion, while Japanese airports maintain strong specialized performance and regional acclaim, they have not secured the highest global overall airport awards in 2025. Instead, Singapore’s Changi Airport continues its dominant position, with other airports such as Paris Orly and London Heathrow also making significant strides.
In the upcoming year, Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda airports will likely attract travelers with their top-notch Wi-Fi connectivity, while lifestyle enthusiasts might find the Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport an ideal destination due to its recognition as the "World's Best Airport Hotel." Despite their success in specific areas, Japanese airports, like Kansai International Airport with its ongoing challenges, have yet to claim the title of the "World's Best Airport" in the overall rankings, a crown currently held by Singapore Changi Airport.
