Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar has clinched the top spot in the 2024 Skytrax awards, dethroning 12-time winner Singapore Changi Airport. This prestigious accolade, based on extensive customer satisfaction surveys, highlights HIA’s exceptional facilities and services.
Since its inauguration in 2014, HIA has continually impressed travellers with its cutting-edge design, seamless navigation, and upscale shopping options. Notably, the airport’s signature feature, the “Orchard,” a sprawling indoor tropical garden spanning 6,000 square meters, has garnered widespread acclaim. This lush oasis, adorned with over 300 trees and 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests worldwide, epitomizes HIA’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Michael McMillan, Vice President of Facilities Management at HIA, emphasized the airport’s dedication to sustainability and innovation, citing initiatives like carbon efficiency improvements and wastewater management programs. Such endeavours have propelled HIA to the forefront of global aviation, attracting over 45 million passengers in 2023 alone.
Beyond its verdant landscapes, HIA boasts a wealth of amenities, including the luxurious Oryx Garden Hotel and an array of chic lounges, such as the esteemed Louis Vuitton Lounge. Its extensive retail centre, Qatar Duty-Free, offers a veritable paradise for shoppers, with upscale boutiques lining the elegant “Viale del Lusso.”
Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group, attributed HIA’s success to ongoing investments in infrastructure and passenger experience. He highlighted the airport’s diverse offerings, from the immersive ‘Souq Al Matar’ to the serene ‘Orchard,’ catering to travellers’ diverse needs and preferences.
While HIA claims the top spot, other airports also garnered recognition in the 2024 Skytrax awards. Seoul’s Incheon Airport earned the title of the world’s most family-friendly airport, while Tokyo’s Haneda Airport was lauded as the world’s cleanest. Istanbul Airport stood out for its exceptional dining experience, rounding out the list of standout winners.
With HIA leading the pack, the global aviation landscape continues to evolve, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
Here’s the list of the top 20 airports according to the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards:
1. Doha Hamad Airport
2. Singapore Changi Airport
3. Seoul Incheon Airport
4. Tokyo Haneda Airport
5. Tokyo Narita Airport
6. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
7. Dubai Airport
8. Munich Airport
9. Zurich Airport
10. Istanbul Airport
11. Hong Kong Airport
12. Rome Fiumicino Airport
13. Vienna Airport
14. Helsinki-Vantaa
15. Madrid-Barajas
16. Centrair Nagoya Airport
17. Vancouver Airport
18. Kansai Airport
19. Melbourne Airport
20. Copenhagen Airport
Notably, none of these airports are located in Africa or South America, with only one situated in the Western Hemisphere.
