The world’s best airports for long layovers

A new global ranking has named Singapore Changi Airport the world’s best airport for a layover, highlighting how some airports are transforming transit time into part of the travel experience.

The study, conducted by UK-based Airport Parking and Hotels and shared with Travel + Leisure, evaluated the world’s 50 busiest airports across 12 criteria, including dining options, lounge access, shower facilities, sleeping pods, and overall passenger comfort. Research was carried out between November and December 2025.

Singapore Changi Airport emerged as the clear leader, earning top marks for its facilities, dining choices, and traveller-friendly amenities. The airport features 247 restaurants and cafés, 16 lounges, and the Jewel complex, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Visitors can also enjoy attractions such as a hedge maze, elevated walking nets, and extensive retail and relaxation areas.

According to the report, Changi’s exceptional “sleepability,” wide range of food options, and overall comfort helped secure its first-place ranking. The airport has also received repeated recognition from aviation consultancy Skytrax, which has named it the world’s best airport for two consecutive years.

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The rankings reveal a strong Asian presence. Nine of the top 15 airports are located across Asia, including airports in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Thailand. The dominance reflects significant investments in airport infrastructure and passenger experience throughout the region.

The United States placed three airports in the top 15, although all ranked in the lower half of the list. No European airport appeared among the top-ranked layover destinations.

The findings suggest airports are increasingly competing beyond connectivity, focusing on comfort, convenience, and entertainment. As airlines and travellers place greater value on the overall journey, a well-designed airport can turn a lengthy stopover into a positive travel experience rather than simply time spent waiting for the next flight.

1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport secured the top position thanks to its extensive facilities, dining options and passenger comfort. According to the report, the airport features 247 restaurants and cafés as well as 16 lounges.

One of its main attractions is The Jewel, a large lifestyle complex connected to the airport. The facility houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, walking nets, gardens and recreational spaces that allow travellers to spend hours exploring without leaving the airport.

The airport’s strong performance in sleepability and traveller facilities helped secure its position at the top of the ranking.

2. Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Airport ranked second. The airport received high scores for its passenger facilities, sleep options and food accessibility.

With 23 lounges available to travellers, Dubai offers multiple spaces for passengers looking to rest during long transit periods. The airport also scored well for providing food options across different price ranges.

3. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), United States

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport came third and was the highest-ranked airport in North America.

The airport stands out for its large selection of dining facilities, offering 165 restaurants and cafés. It also features 18 lounges, providing travellers with places to rest and recharge between flights.

4. Haneda Airport (HND), Japan

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport shared fourth place in the ranking. The airport is known for its efficient transit system and passenger services.

Travellers passing through Haneda have access to a range of shopping outlets, dining facilities and rest areas, making layovers more manageable.

5. Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea

Sharing fourth position, Incheon International Airport continues to attract recognition for its transit facilities.

The airport provides passengers with shopping areas, dining options and rest spaces designed to support travellers during connecting flights.

6. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China

Also tied for fourth place, Shanghai Pudong International Airport secured its position through a combination of passenger services and transit facilities.

As one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, the airport serves millions of passengers annually and offers extensive facilities for travellers in transit.

7. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India

India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport ranked seventh. The airport has invested heavily in passenger services over the years and remains one of the country’s key international gateways.

Its mix of lounges, retail outlets and dining facilities contributed to its placement in the ranking.

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8. Hangzhou International Airport (HGH), China

Sharing seventh place, Hangzhou International Airport earned recognition for providing facilities that support passenger comfort during layovers.

The airport continues to expand its services as international travel through the region grows.

9. El Dorado International Airport (BOG), Colombia

Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport also ranked seventh, making it the highest-ranked airport in South America.

The airport’s transit services, passenger amenities and food options helped it secure a place among the world’s leading layover destinations.

10. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), India

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru ranked tenth. The airport has become an important aviation hub in India and offers passengers a growing range of facilities during transit.

11. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), India

Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport shared the tenth position.

The airport handles large volumes of domestic and international passengers while providing lounges, dining facilities and retail services for travellers.

12. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand

Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport also ranked tenth. As one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, it serves as a major transit point for international travellers.

Its passenger facilities and accessibility helped it earn a place in the ranking.

13. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), United States

San Francisco International Airport ranked thirteenth and was one of only three American airports to make the top 15.

The airport offers a combination of dining, shopping and passenger services aimed at improving the transit experience.

14. Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), China

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport secured the fourteenth position.

The airport continues to expand its role within China’s aviation network while improving facilities for connecting passengers.

15. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), United States

Chicago O’Hare International Airport completed the list in fifteenth place.

As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare provides travellers with numerous services, dining outlets and lounge options during layovers.