Doha’s Hamad International Airport named best in world - Travel News

Apr 18, 2024

If you have a long layover, these are the airports you want to be at.

Have you ever been in transit at a horrible airport? It does not make for a good time. Personally, my holiday starts as soon as I arrive at the airport, which is why the airports I travel through matter, especially on a long-haul trip.

The Rain Vortex at Changi Airport Singapore. Source: iStock

Cue Skytrax’s World Airport Awards 2024, where the World’s 20 Best Airports were named. Surprisingly, Singapore’s Changi Airport, which usually tops the list, has been knocked from the top spot.

Doha’s Hamad International Airport was crowned best in the world. The massive airport is home to a 6,000-square-metre indoor tropical garden, offers unlimited free Wi-Fi, incredible shopping and some unique dining experiences. There’s a Fendi Caffe, Emporio Armani Caffe, Harrods Tea Room, Oreo Cafe, Ralph Lauren Cafe, wagamama and a couple Gordan Ramsay outposts.

Changi Airport in Singapore came in second. One of the most Instagrammed and child-friendly airports in the world, Changi is a destination on its own. Those head to or passing through Singapore flock to the Rain Vortex, the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Coming in third was South Korea’s Seoul Incheon Airport and also took out the Most Family Friendly Award.

The only Aussie airport to make the list was Melbourne Airport, which came in at number 19. You win this round Victoria. No airports in the United States or the United Kingdom made the top 20, but Heathrow did

Here is the full list of the World’s 20 Best Airports for 2024: