While it’s unlikely that you’re going to plan an entire trip around a good airport, it’s still handy to know the pros and cons of where you’re flying to and from. The team at DiscoverCars.com has researched which airports offer the best experience for foreign tourists. They surveyed 3,500 travellers, who rated the airport they visited on a scale of 0-10, according to things like level of service, ease of navigation, queue times and more.
The result is a list of the world’s best airports. Click through this gallery to find out which airport came out on top...
Located four and a half miles (7km) from Marrakesh city centre, Morocco’s second busiest airport, with its modern architectural design and 21st-century décor, is among the most stunning in Africa. Marrakesh is a popular city break destination, especially with European visitors, and they enjoy travelling through the spacious, well-connected airport. The staff are polite and attentive, the immigration process is smooth and there is regular bus transport to the city, so the airport scored 7.58 out of 10.
Formerly known as Orio al Serio International Airport, the third-busiest international airport in Italy is a popular choice for budget airlines and those traveling to Lake Como, Lake Garda and Milan. More than 17 million passengers passed through its terminals in 2024, and, while early mornings tend to be busy, the security process is usually fast and there are a lot of catering options. The Orio Shuttle connects Bergamo Airport with the centre of Milan and takes around 50 minutes.
Generally known as Rome Fiumicino Airport, Italy’s busiest airport recently underwent a major refurbishment. As well as serving the capital, Rome, which is around 19 miles (30km) away, the airport sits on the Tyrrhenian Coast in the residential area of Fiumicino, where the beaches are a big draw for locals and visitors.
Clean, modern and spacious, this large airport has numerous shopping and dining options, and its easy-to-navigate design makes it fun to explore. There are excellent train and coach connections into the Eternal City.
The next Italian airport on the list is Vincenzo Bellini Airport, named after the opera composer and located near the city of Catania on the beautiful island of Sicily. Many of the tourists passing through arrive here to take a tour of Mount Etna.
The airport is praised for its efficiency and service, while ITA Airways’ new Piazza Vincenzo Bellini lounge opened in December 2023. Transfers by taxi to Catania itself take around 20 minutes and there are also buses available to the city centre.
Also in 15th place with a score of 8.28 is the larger of the two international airports on the Canary Island of Tenerife. The airport sits in the district of Granadilla de Abona, in easy reach of the busy tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.
Despite its size, the well-designed signage and efficient processes makes Tenerife South easy to navigate, and the airport's plentiful food and beverage options are superior to those found in the older airport in the north.
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Informally known simply as Lisbon Airport, the first Portuguese entry on our list is also the country’s busiest. Its history dates back to 1942, when it opened as a neutral airport during the height of World War II, before rapid post-war expansion.
Humberto Delgado Airport is a hub for TAP Air Portugal and the airline’s lounge can be a haven from the sometimes chaotic terminal, especially during the city’s peak summer travel season. Nevertheless, the airport as a whole gets a good score for its facilities and amenities.
Praised for its efficient arrival process, good facilities and relaxed atmosphere, the primary international airport serving Mauritius ranks highly among passengers holidaying on the island. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is named after Mauritius's first prime minister and is located at Plaine Magnien, 30 miles (48km) southeast of the capital Port Louis. Travellers benefit from reliable taxi services, airport shuttles and public buses, as well as reasonably priced car rentals.
The second Portuguese airport on this countdown serves the vibrant coastal city of Porto, known for its stately bridges and port wine production. Ideal for a city break, it is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, named after the country’s former prime minister who unfortunately died in a plane crash in 1980. There have been major improvements at this spacious, bright and quiet airport over the past few years, and there are few long lines at either security or immigration.
Named after Pope John Paul II, who was born Karol Wojtyła, Bari Airport is the busier of the two airports serving the Italian region of Puglia. Its location halfway down the Puglian coast makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the region's charming towns, rich culture and thriving restaurant scene. The airport itself has been praised for its efficient operations and recent renovation, while its VIP lounge, offering a quiet and comfortable space with local food and friendly staff, is also well-regarded.
Our first airport to break the top 10, New Zealand's busiest and largest airport scored 8.49 and handled more than 18 million passengers in 2024. Most of them would have spent a few days in the city of Auckland before exploring the natural wonders of the North Island.
The management at Auckland Airport have introduced a few changes recently aimed at making it easier and faster for travellers to pass through. These improvements, including clearer signage and self-service kiosks, make it a hassle-free place to fly out from and into.
The highest-placed Italian airport on this list serves Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria, as well as the Swiss canton of Ticino. Although it’s often busy, travelling through the airport is usually quick and straightforward.
Its convenient location, just 25 minutes from the vast cathedral and world-famous fashion lines of Milan, makes it a hit with passengers. Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are also within a reasonable distance and easily accessible by train or car.
Located on Spain's south coast, the country’s fourth busiest airport is popular with European holidaymakers heading for resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. So much so that there are plans to expand it.
Once you’re through security there are plenty of places to eat and drink plus a wide array of shops, although it can get busy during the summer months. The airport receives positive reviews and an impressive score of 8.61.
In seventh place with 8.69 out of 10, Las Palmas Airport (as it is often known) is the gateway to the popular island of Gran Canaria, known for its sandy dunes, volcanic landscape and buzzing nightlife. The airport is generally considered clean and spacious, with ample space for queuing at check-in and in the gate areas. Another bonus for travellers is that food and drinks prices are generally less expensive than at other major European airports.
Greece’s iconic capital city is a popular tourist spot, thanks mostly to its world-famous temples and other ancient history sites. Millions of people flock here every year to see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Despite its size and the number of flights it handles, Athens International Airport is efficient in processing passengers. The duty-free shops offer competitive prices, and the Airport Agora shopping and dining area is a pleasant place to relax before your flight.
Highlighting the importance of a speedy airport experience, respondents who travelled to Fuerteventura Airport reported that “everything was quick and smooth”. The convenient transfers and friendly service were also big pluses. Previously overlooked in favour of neighbouring Canary Island staples Lanzarote and Tenerife, the rugged island of Fuerteventura is becoming an ever more popular choice for those seeking relaxation, water sports and unique landscapes like the Corralejo Dunes.
The people in charge of airports on the Canary Islands must be doing something right – this is the archipelago's third entry in the top 10. Around three million people a year flock to Lanzarote off the west coast of Africa, usually for its variety of beaches and tropical blue lagoons.
The island’s airport, located southwest of the capital Arrecife, scored 8.91 with travellers in the survey. Tourists reported that "the airport and passport control were quick and easy to get through".
Madeira is known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful flora and fauna, and fortified wine and culinary delicacies. It is home to a prehistoric laurel forest, the Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Named after the superstar footballer, the island's main airport scored 9.07 out of 10.
People spend a lot of time waiting in airports, so having somewhere pleasant to relax is crucial. In the survey, one tourist said that this airport "has all the amenities we need and is a comfortable place to wait for a flight".
Travelling can be very stressful, but the survey found that passengers at Queenstown Airport had a very positive experience. One tourist described the airport, which narrowly missed out on top spot, as "great, easy to get around and no hold ups”.
The mountainous landscape of this scenic resort town provides tourists with plenty of exciting experiences all year round, with popular activities including bungee jumping, jet boating, skiing and hiking, plus visits to famous landmarks like Coronet Peak.
The best airport to fly into, according to the DiscoverCars.com survey, is New Zealand's Christchurch Airport which scored an outstanding 9.21 out of 10. The research revealed excellent customer service, with one traveller reporting a "smooth and easy experience" despite the crowds.
The airport hotels are also first class, including the high-end Sudima Hotel. Once you step outside the airport, Christchurch is a beautiful place for strolling and enjoying gardens and cafés.
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