I’ve spent more than my fair share of time stuck at airports. It’s a special kind of limbo, where the past and the future both suddenly seem impossibly far away, and all you can do is sit there, staring forlornly at the “delayed” sign on the flight information screen as time gradually slows down to about the pace of a snail’s funeral.  

If you’re lucky, there’s plenty of food and booze available to keep you occupied. If you’re unlucky, there’s nothing but a dodgy vending machine and an old copy of The Riverine Grazier to read. So clearly, if you’re going to get stuck at an airport, you want to make it a good one. 

Conveniently, US-based airline Skytrax and airport review and ranking site has revealed the world’s top 100 best airports at its 2023 World Airport Awards. So who came in at number one? 

Singapore Changi Airport 

Speaking from experience, Changi really is the best airport to be stranded at. I once spent three days stuck here when flying stand-by to Spain, and aside from the knife-edge anxiety of waiting by the check-in desk each day, I had a pretty nice time of it. There’s everything your little heart could possibly desire, from a butterfly garden and a swimming pool to art installations and a cinema, as well as shopping, restaurants and bars galore. I even saw a ghost while I was there, but that’s a story for another time. 

Australia’s best airport

Melbourne Airport was the highest ranking Australian airport on the list, coming in 19th worldwide. It scored awards for the Best Airport in Australia & Pacific and the Best Airport Staff in Australia & Pacific. Brisbane Airport came in at number 23 on the list, while Sydney was ranked at number 49. Gold Coast Airport also got a nod, coming in at number 54 and winning Best Regional Airport in Australia & Pacific. Nice work, guys. 

To check out the full list, head to worldairportawards.com

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