Camilla Cornell, Financial Post • Jun. 20, 2011 | Last Updated: Jun. 21, 2011 12:55 PM ET http://www.financialpost.com/entrepr...195/story.html
The results are in: Hong Kong tops the list of the world's best airports according to Skytrax, an international airline consultancy firm based in the United Kingdom. Skytrax's World Airport Awards cover 240 airports worldwide, based on survey results from 11.38 million questionnaires completed by passengers from more than 100 countries in 2010-2011.
The survey seeks to evaluate traveller satisfaction in everything from cleanliness of facilities and availability of seating to check-in, arrivals and departures. Although no Canadian airports ranked in the Top 10 worldwide, Vancouver International Airport won the distinction of Best Airport in North America for a second consecutive year. It was commended for its rail link to the city and for being, as one recent passenger put it, "a relaxing, chilled airport."
Herewith the Top 10:
1 Hong Kong International Airport This marks the eighth time HKIA has won Skytrax's top spot. Among its selling points are the rapid, effective public transportation system that gets you to and from, as well as the bright and airy terminals, inexpensive and delicious food (the shops aren't allowed to charge a premium) and great shopping.
Most interesting features: A luxury nine-hole golf course within walking distance of the airport. Or practise your game at the virtual golf simulator in the Game Zone of the departures hall.
2 Singapore Changi Airport This runner up scored well for cleanliness and passenger comfort as well as the speed of security and immigration checks. Of all the airports surveyed, it ranked highest for the number of leisure activities available.
Most interesting features: Free city tours available for longish stopovers and free movies and TV shows at the entertainment centre.
3 Incheon International Airport "Incheon [in Seoul, Korea] is rapidly becoming a true customer favourite," Edward Plaisted, Skytrax chief executive, says. In particular, the airport scored well for staff service excellence among all three Asian airports and ranked as the best in the world for the cleanliness of its terminals.
Most interesting features: A museum showcasing Korean culture and a Korean culture performance centre where you might just catch a show while awaiting a flight.
4 Munich Airport This repeat winner of the Best Airport Europe title, was commended for its "convenience, terminal comfort and Bavarian hospitality," Mr. Plaisted says.
Most interesting feature: Free coffee, tea and newspapers.
5 Beijing Capital International Airport This up-and-comer moved to fifth from eighth place in customer ratings. Now the second largest airport in the world for passenger traffic, BCIA also secured the award as Best Airport China in 2011.
Most interesting feature: On May 31, China shut down its 39 smoking rooms, making it the first smoke-free international air hub in the country.
6 Amsterdam Schiphol Airport In addition to inching up the ranks from seventh place in 2010, Schipol took the award for Best Airport in Western Europe and made Top 3 for leisure amenities.
Most interesting feature: The free on-site Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schipol Airport permanently displays 10 works by famous Dutch masters and holds temporary exhibitions several times a year. The Dutch Flowers exhibition (on until September) features nine 17th-century "flower pieces."
7 Zurich Airport Scored top marks for speed of baggage delivery for the second year in a row. In addition, many reviewers commented on its cleanliness (would you expect anything less from the Swiss?). "Efficient, quick and functional," summed up one reviewer.
Most interesting features: You can take a breather between flights and cycle around the airport's nature park.
8 Auckland International Airport This repeat winner in the Best Airport Australia/Pacific category showed improved satisfaction levels in the area of security and immigration procedures.
Most interesting feature: Offers a traditional Maori meeting place, adorned with carvings and scrolls, where visiting dignitaries are welcomed, cultural and educational events are held and bereaved families find shelter and comfort.
9 Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA shined in the area of staff service excellence when going through immigration procedures.
Most interesting features: Located deep in the jungle, this airport has incorporated a landscaped jungle behind glass in its design, including rain forest trees and sculptured waterfall.
10 Copenhagen Airport CA joins the Top 10 in 2011, from 15th. Staff service and terminal comfort and ambience were two of the higher scoring sections for this airport.
Most interesting features: Automatic check-in is very efficient and even allows you to print your luggage tag and check baggage.
— Camilla Cornell is a business writer and intrepid traveller, who nonetheless appreciates a little comfort when away from home.