- Cape Town International Airport scored highest in AirHelp’s global airport ranking for 2025.
- Doha and Riyadh airports placed second and third, respectively.
- Scores are based on on-time performance, customer satisfaction, and quality of amenities.
- Salt Lake City ranked #8 — the highest among U.S. airports this year.
- South Africa has two airports in the top 10, showcasing regional excellence.
The Big Picture
When it comes to smooth travel, few things matter more than a dependable, comfortable airport. According to the newly released AirHelp Score 2025, Cape Town International Airport now stands as the world’s top-rated airport, with an overall score of 8.57 out of 10. This marks a significant win for the African continent — and a sign that world-class travel experiences are no longer limited to Western or Asian hubs.
AirHelp, a globally recognized organization advocating for air passenger rights, compiles this ranking each year by evaluating airports across three core areas: on-time performance, customer feedback, and the quality of food and shopping options.
What’s New
While Cape Town soared to the top with exceptional ratings across all categories, Middle Eastern airports maintained their dominance. Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar earned second place with a score of 8.52, praised for its upscale amenities and efficiency. Close behind was Riyadh King Khaled International in Saudi Arabia, also posting a strong 8.47.
The rankings reflect not just operational reliability, but also the traveler’s personal experience — from grabbing a bite between flights to navigating through terminals with ease. This year’s results show a notable rise in customer-focused infrastructure, especially in airports outside North America and Europe.
Top 10 Airports in the World – 2025
| Rank | Airport | Location | Score | On-Time | Customer | Food & Shops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Town Airport | Cape Town, South Africa | 8.57 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.3 |
| 2 | Doha Hamad Airport | Doha, Qatar | 8.52 | 8.2 | 8.9 | 9.0 |
| 3 | Riyadh King Khaled Airport | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 8.47 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 8.5 |
| 4 | Brasília–Presidente Kubitschek | Brasília, Brazil | 8.47 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| 5 | Muscat Airport | Muscat, Oman | 8.47 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| 6 | Panama City Tocumen | Panama City, Panama | 8.42 | 8.7 | 7.9 | 8.2 |
| 7 | Durban King Shaka Airport | Durban, South Africa | 8.40 | 8.9 | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| 8 | Salt Lake City Airport | Salt Lake City, United States | 8.29 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.3 |
| 9 | Bergen Flesland Airport | Bergen, Norway | 8.27 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 7.6 |
| 10 | Dammam King Fahd Airport | Dammam, Saudi Arabia | 8.26 | – | – | – |
What They’re Saying
What’s Next
With global travel demand rising, airports aiming for future rankings are likely to invest heavily in innovation, sustainability, and customer service. From biometric boarding to immersive lounges, the next frontier may focus on both personalization and speed.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, your airport experience matters. The 2025 AirHelp Score offers travelers a useful guide — and gives airports a high bar to aim for. One thing is clear: excellence in the skies now begins on the ground.
Source: AirHelp Score 2025
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