Korea, India, SG have the world's 'friendliest' airports, says survey | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

korea
Terminal operators stand behind their desks after the opening ceremony of a railway linking the main international airport at Incheon to the capital. Image: AFP/Jung Yeon-je

The friendliest airport staff in the world can be found at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, according to the results of a new survey.

Compiled by the Airports Council International (ACI) based in Montreal, the 2016 Airport Quality Service Awards asked travelers to rate their airport experience across 34 criteria, from airport access, check-in, security screening, restrooms, stores and restrooms.

In the category of biggest airport hubs around the world—those that see more than 40 million passengers pass through their halls—the most civilized airport experience can be found at Incheon International, a major hub that repeatedly tops the world’s best airport awards.

“These airports have dedicated themselves to delivering a stellar customer experience. Promoting a culture of continuous service improvement has become a matter of gaining competitive advantage and optimizing non-aeronautical revenue performance,” said ACI World director general Angela Gittens.

For the survey, passengers are questioned at the airport on the day of their arrival.

The awards are presented to the airports that score the highest ratings over the course of a year.

Interestingly, the top three spots are occupied by airports in Asia and Southeast Asia, with Delhi, Mumbai and Singapore’s Changi Airport tying for second place.

Beijing Capital International Airport rounds out the third spot.

This year’s edition of the Airport Quality Service Awards marked the group’s 10th annual report.

Here’s a breakdown of regional winners:

Best airport in Africa: Mauritius Airport
Asia-Pacific: Seoul Incheon International Airport
Europe: Sochi International Airport
Middle East: Abu Dhabi International Airport
North America, Tie: Indianapolis International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, Billy Bishop Airport (Toronto, Canada)
Latin America: Guayaquil Airport (Ecuador)

JB

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

MOST VIEWED STORIES